Level II Background Screenings – Required for Florida Nursing Home Employees
On August 1, 2010, the State of Florida began requiring a Level 2 background screening on nursing home employees. A Level 2 is a fingerprint check conducted through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Persons hired or initially contracting with a facility after August 1, 2010, must undergo a Level 2 background screening.
Considering that most residents in a nursing home are relatively vulnerable and could fall victim to a predator, I applaud the decision. Yes, it is requiring more regulation in an already seemingly over regulated industry, but it will make it easier to determine who is “eligible” to work in a nursing home and/or assisted living. I have heard past stories regarding employees who committed a crime and then switched to home health or another facility that may have looser policies that would overlook such issues due to being short-staffed or various other reasons.
With the baby boomers coming into Medicare age, a large percentage of them will eventually need nursing home or assisted living care. I contemplate why we have strict guidelines on our staff but ignore background screening future residents. For example, one of my colleagues learned after accepting a particular resident, that the resident had killed someone (in self defense). They never would have known about the resident if he didn’t tell them, and it was easily confirmed on the public record. I began wondering how commonly this occurs.
Nursing home residents tend to be vulnerable individuals that have likely left their criminal years behind them. But what about the individuals who are just there for rehab–younger, more agile, baby boomers that could cause potential damage to residents and/or staff members. In our area, it is hard enough to keep the facility census up (especially with particular payers) without having to worry about a background screening that could inhibit the process. Why would we go through medically and financially checking potential residents, just to skip the step that could provide additional safety in a vulnerable environment?
I will get off the bandwagon for now. It is just a thought…but, I know I would not want my parent living next to a convicted murderer. Would you?
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November 8th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
This is great that we are taking increasing safety measures to protect seniors against potential abuse. The level of qualifications required to work in an assisted living center should be strict.
March 14th, 2011 at 4:53 am
This is great that we are taking increasing safety measures to protect seniors against potential abuse. The level of qualifications required to work in an assisted living center should be strict.