Caregiver background check rules in Alaska

Yes. Alaska requires a criminal background check before a caregiver works with clients, using fingerprints. Medicaid personal care agencies must get a valid criminal history check (or variance) through the Alaska Background Check Program before a worker serves clients or sees health information. The check is fingerprint-based, and workers with a barrier crime or condition cannot be paid for services.

What does the check include?

What should you confirm with the state?

These requirements apply to agencies certified by Senior and Disabilities Services to bill Medicaid; there is no state license for private-pay non-medical home care. Confirm the certification fee, certification term, and whether the fingerprint check includes an FBI search with Senior and Disabilities Services.

What other checks should you run?

Agencies that bill Medicaid or Medicare should also check the HHS Office of Inspector General exclusion list before hire and monthly, because payments for services by an excluded person can be recovered. If you use a background screening company, the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires written disclosure and the applicant's authorization first.