Caregiver background check rules in Louisiana

Yes. Louisiana requires a criminal background check before a caregiver works with clients. Before offering a job, the employer must request in writing a criminal history and security check of nonlicensed staff through State Police or an authorized agency; a temporary offer is allowed while results are pending. Fingerprints are optional. Listed convictions bar employment, and the employer must terminate a worker once it learns of one.

What does the check include?

What should you confirm with the state?

The license fee is set by statute; confirm the current amount with the Louisiana Department of Health, Health Standards Section. Also confirm with LDH whether staff must be checked against the Direct Service Worker Registry.

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.