Caregiver background check rules in Texas

Yes. Texas requires a criminal background check before a caregiver works with clients. HCSSAs may not employ applicants with barring convictions found through a Department of Public Safety criminal history check, and must check the Nurse Aide Registry and Employee Misconduct Registry before hire and annually. Some offenses bar employment permanently; others, such as felony theft and burglary, bar direct-contact jobs until the fifth anniversary of the conviction.

What does the check include?

What should you confirm with the state?

Applications go through HHSC's TULIP portal. State law refers to Department of Public Safety criminal history records and doesn't mention fingerprints. Confirm application steps and orientation and staff training requirements with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

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.