CONNECTICUT: Bill Would Expand Background Checks

House Bill 6100, filed last week on behalf of the Department of Consumer Protection, would expand background checks of prospective caregivers and ban medical terms in home care agency business names and advertising. As it did last year concerning a similar bill, HCAOA Connecticut is opposed to substituting state and national criminal background checks, which require fingerprinting by state police and the FBI, for comprehensive background checks. This would involve a costly, detailed and time-consuming process, delaying placement of caregivers with clients, putting elderly consumers at risk and harming HCAs. The bill also prohibits employment of persons convicted of one of several crimes. As an alternative, HCAOA Connecticut is proposing comprehensive background checks be conducted by a pre-employment background screening services company that include a search of an online federal database, and to allow HCAs to accurately describe nonmedical, supportive services that ensure a safe and healthy environment for a person who may have memory challenges. A public hearing on the bill before the General Law Committee will be held next week. HCAOA Connecticut is urging members to submit testimony and contact their legislators about the bill. 

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