Rebates prohibited; penalties.

(1) An assisted living facility licensed under this part may not contract or promise to pay or receive any commission, bonus, kickback, or rebate or engage in any split-fee arrangement in any form whatsoever with any person, health care provider, or health care facility as provided under s. 817.505.

(2) This section does not apply to:

(a) An individual employed by the assisted living facility, or with whom the facility contracts to provide marketing services for the facility, if the individual clearly indicates that he or she works with or for the facility.

(b) Payments by an assisted living facility to a referral service that provides information, consultation, or referrals to consumers to assist them in finding appropriate care or housing options for seniors or disabled adults if the referred consumers are not Medicaid recipients.

(c) A resident of an assisted living facility who refers a friend, family members, or other individuals with whom the resident has a personal relationship to the assisted living facility, in which case the assisted living facility may provide a monetary reward to the resident for making such referral.

(3) A violation of this section is patient brokering and is punishable as provided in s. 817.505.