Choosing a nursing home for your loved one requires trust. You expect staff to provide quality care in a safe environment. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect are all too common.
Ensuring that the staff have undergone proper safety checks is crucial to protecting your family member. Here are the essential safety checks required by California law.
Criminal background checks
California law requires thorough criminal background checks for all nursing home employees. These checks reveal past convictions related to violence, theft, abuse or neglect. Nursing homes must perform fingerprint-based checks through the Department of Justice (DOJ) before hiring staff with direct contact with residents. A background check helps reduce the risk of hiring someone who could harm vulnerable residents.
Licensing and certification verification
Nursing homes must verify that employees hold the necessary licenses or certifications to perform their duties. Registered nurses (RNs), licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) must have valid, active licenses. California’s Department of Public Health maintains an online verification system. Regularly verifying licenses helps ensure staff members are qualified and accountable.
Reference checks and employment history
Checking references and previous employment history is vital. Facilities must contact past employers to identify any issues related to performance, reliability or conduct. This step provides insight into the employee’s work habits and helps uncover potential red flags that background checks might miss.
Safety checks are crucial
Safety checks protect your loved ones by screening out individuals who may pose a risk. If a nursing home fails to perform these checks, residents can suffer neglect or abuse.
If your loved one has suffered from abuse or neglect in a nursing home, there are options available for seeking justice and compensation. Getting legal guidance as soon as possible is a good first step.
