When must a criminal background check be requested for new hires with direct patient contact?

A criminal background check for new hires with direct patient contact must be requested within two working days of being hired. This timeframe is established to ensure that the screening process takes place in a timely manner while allowing the hiring facility to manage its operational needs. It strikes a balance between immediate safety concerns and practical hiring processes.

Promptly initiating the background check helps protect residents by identifying any potentially disqualifying offenses in a reasonable timeframe. While some policies might call for checks to be done more quickly, the two-working-day limit allows for necessary administrative processes to be completed, ensuring all parties are in compliance with regulations regarding the safety and welfare of patients.