Caregiver background check rules in Rhode Island

Yes. Rhode Island requires a criminal background check before a caregiver works with clients, using fingerprints. Applicants for jobs with routine, unsupervised patient contact at a licensed home care provider need a national criminal records check with fingerprints sent to the FBI through the Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Identification. It must start before employment or within one week after; the employee pays.

What does the check include?

What should you confirm with the state?

The license fee is set in a separate fee rule; confirm the current amount with the Rhode Island Department of Health. The licensing rule doesn't mention a surety bond. Personal care is typically delivered by registered nursing assistants, who have their own training requirements.

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.