Caregiver background check rules in Massachusetts

Yes. Massachusetts requires a criminal background check before a caregiver works with clients. All home care workers need Massachusetts criminal checks plus state or county checks in any other state where they lived or worked in the past 5 years, and reviews of federal exclusion lists and the nurse aide registry. Workers who drive clients also need driving record and insurance checks.

What does the check include?

What should you confirm with the state?

Massachusetts' new home care agency license law takes effect November 4, 2026, and licensing rules are expected in 2027. License fees haven't been set yet. Check with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services for the current rules and application timeline.

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.