Twelve Iowa care facilities received fines for violations concerning background checks for workers and residence abuse. As such, the Iowa Department of Inspections Appeals and Licensing charged $500 per violation. 

The Department noted that the facilities did not conduct background checks on some workers, failed to investigate cases of suspected abuse, and did not inform the state about possible resident abuse. Many nursing home violations can result in federal fines or penalties of $10,000 or more. However, many resident abuse violations result in a $500 fine by the state. 

Some facilities fined for these violations choose not to appeal the claims. In these cases, the penalties automatically become $325. In a recent case, state inspectors alleged that a skilled nursing facility failed to ensure that a staff member had finished their training on dependent-adult abuse. All staff must complete this training during their first six months of work. 

The facility also allegedly failed to conduct a background check on an individual before they started working. Meanwhile, the worker who had not completed the dependent-adult abuse training finished it during the state inspection. During the inspection, the facility conducted a background check on the worker whom they had previously failed to run a check.

Another case concerned another assisted living center’s failure to conduct checks before employing a worker. Allegedly, the center did not complete child and dependent-adult abuse background checks. Instead, the center only completed a criminal background check before hiring the worker. 

Meanwhile, another worker at this facility had some unspecified criminal history. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services should have reviewed this background before the facility hired the worker. This process ensures the employee’s suitability for employment in a care setting. However, the facility hired the individual without the Department’s determination.

Another example of background check violations involves another care facility in Iowa. This facility did not complete the required background check before hiring the employee. According to the inspectors, the facility did not fill out the mandatory form for a state evaluation of the employee’s background. Instead, they hired the person regardless of their suitability to work in a nursing home.

These are just a few examples of the violations. They demonstrate the importance of conducting background checks on prospective employees, especially in the healthcare industry. One way to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations is to work with an experienced background screening company. The right partner will deliver accurate and timely reports to ensure companies can make informed decisions.

Interested in learning more about JDP’s background checks? Contact a sales rep today.

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