Caregiver background check rules in Hawaii

Yes. Hawaii requires a criminal background check before a caregiver works with clients. Home care agencies must run background checks under HRS 321-15.2 on operators and direct patient access employees, covering criminal history, adult and child abuse records, sex offender records, and nurse aide registry findings, plus out-of-state records. Criminal history name inquiries and child welfare name inquiries repeat annually.

What does the check include?

What should you confirm with the state?

The license fee isn't listed in the licensing rule; confirm the current fee with the Office of Health Care Assurance. State law allows a name-based criminal history check instead of fingerprinting in some cases, so confirm which applies to your staff. Employees and volunteers with direct client contact need TB clearance before first contact.

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.