Tag: HB 5335

Connecticut Bill Proposing Background Checks for Potential Residents Faces Heated Debate A bill before Connecticut's legislature that would require long-term care facilities to perform background checks on potential residents is being hotly debated. This bill comes in the wake of an incident in which a convicted rapist and registered sex offender from out of state was transferred into the facility and sexually assaulted a female staff member. This was made even more shocking due to the fact that an outstanding arrest warrant was out for the individual at the time. The incident, which occurred last May, was a surprise to law enforcement because of a loophole in the state's law that does not require nursing home operators to notify state police when an out-of-state sex offender is admitted into their facilities. Instead, sex offenders themselves are required to register. This bill, HB 5335, would change this and instead hold long-term care providers themselves accountable for protecting the safety of their residents and staff by performing criminal background checks on potential residents, including checking if they are registered sex offenders. Further, the bill would prohibit long-term care facilities from accepting residents with offenses the bill defines as "disqualifying" without receiving a waiver. These disqualifying offenses range widely from criminal trespass to rape. The bill has raised concerns from many due to the extent of crimes that are regarded as disqualifying as well as the short length of time which the bill permits a background check to remain effective. Nursing homes with a waiting list for admission will often need to hold beds open while they perform a background check on potential residents due to the fact checks remain valid for one month. However, the bill does provide certain exceptions for conditional admissions and those for short-term rehabilitation. Others have argued that the bill's disqualifying offenses are overly broad and lack any look-back rules which would prevent potential residents from being punished for crimes potentially committed several decades in the past. However, the bill's sponsor has argued that the bill does not bar long-term care facilities from admitting potential residents who have been convicted of disqualifying offenses, only that they receive a waiver. As a result, it simply means that the facilities are aware of any factors that they should consider and provide a safety net for the residents and staff of these facilities. As of now, it is highly uncertain if the bill will pass the state's legislature or be signed into law. However, for now, the bill will continue to work through the General Assembly. Pre-employ makes background checks easy and reliable. Speak with a compliance expert today. Source

Tag: HB 5335

Connecticut Bill Proposing Background Checks for Potential Residents Faces Heated Debate

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