Caregiver background check rules in Wisconsin

Yes. Wisconsin requires a criminal background check before a caregiver works with clients. Under the caregiver background check law, entities (DHS-licensed or certified services, and agencies that employ or contract with people to provide personal care) must obtain a Department of Justice criminal history search, registry findings, credential status, and DHS records for each caregiver with regular client contact. Out-of-state history is required for people who lived outside Wisconsin in the past 3 years; fingerprints are optional.

What does the check include?

What should you confirm with the state?

Wisconsin certifies personal care agencies that serve Medicaid clients; there is no license for private-pay non-medical agencies. Confirm with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services whether the caregiver background check law applies to an uncertified private-pay agency, and confirm current certification fees.

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.