Caregiver background check rules in New Hampshire

Yes. New Hampshire requires a criminal background check before a caregiver works with clients. The agency must get a criminal record check from the NH Department of Safety for every applicant, volunteer, and independent contractor who will provide direct or personal care, and check the BEAS registry. A person with any felony conviction, or a conviction or finding for sexual assault, violent crime, assault, fraud, theft, abuse, neglect, or exploitation, may not be hired unless the department grants a waiver; no lookback limit is stated.

What does the check include?

What should you confirm with the state?

The rule also requires a health screening and two-step TB test before client contact, supervision of personal care providers every 6 months, and an annual evaluation. The fee wording is unclear for agencies serving 10 or fewer clients, so confirm your fee with the Health Facilities Administration. The rule doesn't say whether the Department of Safety check is fingerprint-based.

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.