Pennsylvania adopts electronic fingerprinting for LTC workers

Beginning on June 4, manual background check requests will no longer be accepted by Pennsylvania’s Department of Aging. The department will begin using a fingerprinting process to screen applicants to LTC facilities and home health care agencies.

“In addition to enhancing protections provided to our older adults, electronic fingerprinting will help us to more quickly process background checks,” said Secretary of Aging Brian Duke.

Applicants to and employees of LTC facilities and other agencies are required to undergo criminal background checks, in addition to obtaining criminal history record reports through the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP). If an applicant has not been a Pennsylvania resident for two years, he or she must obtain a criminal history report from both the FBI and the PSP.

This move to electronic fingerprinting aims to improve the efficiency and compatibility with law enforcement and other screening procedures.

I Advance Senior Care

I Advance Senior Care is the industry-leading source for practical, in-depth, business-building, and resident care information for owners, executives, administrators, and directors of nursing at assisted living communities, skilled nursing facilities, post-acute facilities, and continuing care retirement communities. The I Advance Senior Care editorial team and industry experts provide market analysis, strategic direction, policy commentary, clinical best-practices, business management, and technology breakthroughs.

I Advance Senior Care is part of the Institute for the Advancement of Senior Care and published by Plain-English Health Care.