An Act amending the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Human Services Code, providing for departmental powers and duties as to small personal care homes; and imposing penalties.

HB 494 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to create new rules for small personal care homes that provide daily assistance (like bathing, medication help, or meal prep) to 3 or fewer non-relatives who don’t need full long-term care. It directly affects operators and staff of these homes by requiring annual unannounced inspections, mandatory criminal background checks for all staff, and registration with the state for administrators. Key provisions include creating a state registry for homes, setting minimum care standards through new regulations, and allowing penalties for non-compliance. The bill aims to strengthen oversight while focusing on homes that serve vulnerable adults with basic care needs.