Mandatory Background Checks for LTC Employees in Michigan
May 4, 2006 by Jerri Lynn Ward, J.D.
Filed under Nursing Homes, Quality Assurance
In a move designed to improve standards in long term care facilities, Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm signed a measure earlier this year that requires nursing homes and other assisted living facilities to conduct criminal background checks on prospective employees, the Michigan Long Term Care Partnership Workforce Background Check. (WILX News)
At the web site, Michigan Long Term Care Partnership, you’ll find the text of the bill, legal guides, and information on the background check process.
If you were under the impression that most long term care facilities already check the backgrounds of employees, you’re not alone. Background checks are probably quite expensive for most facilities. Last year, Wisconsin received a large grant ($2.3 million) to participate in a criminal background check program for its long term care facilities. (Press release)
Texas requires criminal background checks for nursing facility employees. From the Medicaid Provider Manual for Long-Term Care Facilities:
When hiring personnel who will have any contact with consumers, NFs may only employ individuals for whom criminal conviction checks have been obtained through either the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) or a private data broker pursuant to Health and Safety Code, Chapter 250.
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There is no disputing the importance of conducting background checks in today’s society. The benefits of comprehensive background checks are felt not only by business owners but by the individual customer. From CEO’s to housewives more and more people are beginning to view background checks as a pro-active risk management strategy. The question many are asking is, “can I afford not to conduct a background check?” “Can I afford not to protect myself, my family, or my business when the cost of acquiring such information is becoming increasingly more cost effective?” What used to cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars to uncover can now be quickly and easily obtained at a fraction of the cost.