(a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b)    “Hotel” means a hotel or motel with more than 30 rooms for rent that is primarily used by transients who are lodged with or without meals.

(c)    “Operating agreement” means a written contract, agreement, instrument, or other document between at least two persons that relates to the management, operation, or franchise of a hotel or a retirement community.

(d)    “Person” does not include an individual, a nonprofit entity, or a public instrumentality.

(e)    (1)    “Retirement community” means a senior living community, retirement community, assisted living community, continuing care retirement community, independent living community, or similar community that offers a combination of independent living, assisted living, or nursing.

(2)    “Retirement community” does not include:

(i)    A freestanding nursing home, as defined in § 19–1401 of the Health – General Article, that is licensed by the Maryland Department of Health;

(ii)    A State facility, as defined in § 10–101 of the Health – General Article;

(iii)    A program licensed by the Maryland Department of Health under Title 7 or Title 10 of the Health – General Article;

(iv)    A freestanding hospice care program regulated by the Maryland Department of Health under Title 19, Subtitle 9 of the Health – General Article;

(v)    A freestanding day care center for the elderly regulated by the Maryland Department of Health under Title 14, Subtitle 2 of the Health – General Article;

(vi)    A retirement community that is owned by or affiliated with a church or religious organization;

(vii)    A cooperative housing corporation organized under Title 5, Subtitle 6B of the Corporations and Associations Article and certified as a continuing care provider under Title 10, Subtitle 4 of the Human Services Article and separate entities certified as continuing care providers under Title 10, Subtitle 4 of the Human Services Article that provide services to residents of a cooperative housing corporation; or

(viii)    A condominium organized under Title 11 of the Real Property Article and certified as a continuing care provider under Title 10, Subtitle 4 of the Human Services Article and separate entities certified as continuing care providers under Title 10, Subtitle 4 of the Human Services Article that provide services to residents of a condominium.