Caregiver background check rules in Oregon

Yes. Oregon requires a criminal background check before a caregiver works with clients. The agency must run a criminal records check and make a fitness determination before an employee, volunteer, or owner has client contact, and repeat it every 3 years. Agencies serving Medicaid (ODHS) clients must use the ODHS Background Check Unit under OAR 407-007; fingerprints for a national check are at the agency's option.

What does the check include?

What should you confirm with the state?

The 12 initial hours are a 4-hour orientation plus 8 hours of training, and only 2 of the 8 hours are due before work starts. Caregivers with a current Oregon health care license or certificate may be exempt from caregiver training. Fingerprinting is optional for the agency.

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.