Caregiver background check rules in Connecticut

Yes. Connecticut requires a criminal background check before a caregiver works with clients. Before making a job offer, agencies must complete a comprehensive background check: application review, interview, Social Security number verification, a sex offender registry check, and a criminal records search by an accredited screening firm, plus out-of-state records if the person has lived in Connecticut under three years. Agencies may not hire people on the federal exclusion list for convictions in the preceding five years.

What does the check include?

What should you confirm with the state?

Caregiver checks don't have to be fingerprint-based, but the agency owner must submit to state and national criminal history checks. If your agency will provide hands-on personal care beyond what the Department of Consumer Protection registration covers, confirm with the Department of Public Health whether you also need a home health aide agency license.

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.