Caregiver background check rules in Tennessee

Yes. Tennessee requires a criminal background check before a caregiver works with clients. Workers need a criminal background check under T.C.A. § 33-2-1202 within ten days of employment and every two years. The Abuse Registry and Sexual Offender Registry must be checked before direct contact and annually; anyone listed may not be hired.

What does the check include?

What should you confirm with the state?

Personal support services agencies are licensed by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services or the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, not by the Health Facilities Commission. Confirm the license fee, license term, and whether criminal checks must be fingerprint-based with the licensing department.

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.