Caregiver background check rules in Missouri

Yes. Missouri requires a criminal background check before a caregiver works with clients. Before a new hire has client contact, in-home services providers under contract with the state must request a criminal background check through the Missouri State Highway Patrol (or a private investigatory agency) and check the Employee Disqualification List. A nationwide check is needed if the applicant has not lived in Missouri for five years. Listed felonies, registry listings, or refusing to register with the Family Care Safety Registry bar employment.

What does the check include?

What should you confirm with the state?

The training and background check rules shown apply to state-contracted (Medicaid) in-home services providers and licensed home health agencies; a private-pay non-medical agency may not be covered. Fingerprints are one way to meet the background check requirement, not the only way. Confirm that no license is needed for your services with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

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.