CT launches background check program for LTC workers

Long-term care (LTC) facilities in Connecticut must register with a statewide background check portal.

As previously reported, the portal will allow nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospice and home health agencies, among others providers, to process criminal history and patient abuse background searches for potential employees, contractors, or volunteers who will have direct contact with residents.

The program is administered by the State Department of Public Health, which also built the Web portal, Applicant Background Check Management System (ABCMS). The system has automatic disqualifiers when reviewing a criminal conviction record. A Fingerprint Authorization Form will be automatically generated within the system.

If a third-party consumer reporting consumer reporting agency is used to conduct the background check report, the LTC facility would also have to provide a copy of the report, a federal summary of rights at the pre-adverse action stage, and an adverse action notice when making a final decision to deny employment.

Background checks through ABCMS are not required for people who are employed, contracting, or volunteering before Feb. 8. New hires are allowed a conditional 60-day introductory period subject to requirement while the background search is being processed.

The Affordable Care Act of 2010 included guidance for a nationwide background check program for prospective employees working directly with residents at LTC facilities.

Related: WVa now requires state, national criminal background checks for LTC workers

Nicole Stempak

Nicole was Senior Editor at I Advance Senior Care and Long Term Living Magazine 2015-2017. She has a Journalism degree from Kent State University and is finalizing a master’s degree in Information Architecture and Management. She has extensive studies in the digital user experience and in branding online media. She has worked as an editor and writer for various B2B publications, including Business Finance.