The federal Affordable Care Act, has awarded Connecticut a $2 million grant towards setting up a background check screening program for prospective employees who are applying for positions in long-term or in-home care. Connecticut was one of 6 states to receive money from the federal government.
This background check service will ensure that potential job seekers are free of criminal histories, or other records that would render them unsuitable to work with seniors or disabled people. Three branches of Connecticut state government will work together to design and implement the system. They include the Department of Public Health, Social Services, and Public Safety.
However, Connecticut must also pass legislation enabling the use of the funds for this purpose. The governor, M. Jodi Rell, said the national background check for each prospective direct patient care employee must include a history search of both state and federal criminal records, abuse and neglect registries, and databases, such as the Nurse Aide Registry.
Long-term care facilities or providers covered under the new program include nursing facilities, home health agencies, hospice providers, long-term care hospitals, and intermediate care facilities for persons with mental disabilities, adult day care, and personal care assistants.
