Caregiver background check rules in North Carolina

Yes. North Carolina requires a criminal background check before a caregiver works with clients, using fingerprints. Home care agencies must condition job offers for in-home positions on a criminal history check, submitted within 5 business days; applicants who have lived in North Carolina less than 5 years need a state and national fingerprint check. Home assistance services providers must run a criminal check in every state where a worker lived in the past 7 years.

What does the check include?

What should you confirm with the state?

Fingerprinting is required only for agency applicants who have lived in North Carolina less than 5 years. First-time owners must complete DHSR-approved training before a home care license is issued. Confirm with the Division of Health Service Regulation whether the $510 fee also applies to home assistance services providers.

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.