Caregiver background check rules in Pennsylvania

Yes. Pennsylvania requires a criminal background check before a caregiver works with clients. Direct care workers, office staff, and owners must provide a criminal history report obtained within 1 year before applying: a State Police record if they have lived in Pennsylvania for the past 2 years, or a federal record plus a Department of Aging letter of determination if not. Agencies may not hire anyone with a prohibited conviction listed in 6 Pa. Code 15.143.

What does the check include?

What should you confirm with the state?

The rule doesn't state the license term; renewal forms are due at least 60 days before the expiration date printed on the license. It also doesn't say whether the federal record check is fingerprint-based. Confirm both with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Home Health.

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.