Caregiver background check rules in Colorado

Yes. Colorado requires a criminal background check before a caregiver works with clients. Agencies must run a criminal history record check on every applicant for employment, covering at least Colorado records and done no more than 90 days before hire, and complete a CAPS check before anyone provides direct care. Fingerprint-based state and national checks are required for owners, managers, and administrators, not for all caregivers.

What does the check include?

What should you confirm with the state?

License fees are now set in 6 CCR 1011-1, Chapter 2, and the current amounts aren't listed in the home care rule; confirm the current fee with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Annual training is defined by required topics, not a set number of hours.

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.