Caregiver background check rules in California

Yes. California requires a criminal background check before a caregiver works with clients, using fingerprints. Home care aides must submit fingerprints (Live Scan) to the Department of Justice, which searches state and FBI records, and must be cleared on the Home Care Aide Registry before direct client contact. Aide registration costs $35 and lasts 2 years.

What does the check include?

What should you confirm with the state?

Starting January 1, 2027, SB 412 adds dementia care training before providing care and annually; confirm with the Home Care Services Branch whether this changes the required training hours. Aides must also show they are free of active tuberculosis.

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.