Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 111-8-56-.26

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through April 18, 2024

Rule 111-8-56-.26 - Background Screening and Employees

(1) Prior to hiring an employment applicant, each nursing home shall first screen the potential employee for a history of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. This includes attempting to obtain information from previous employers and current employers and checking with the applicable licensing boards and registries. The background screenings shall include, but not be limited to:

(a) The nursing home shall request a criminal records check from the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) to determine whether the applicant has a criminal record. In accordance with the provisions of Section 31-7-350, et seq., of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the nursing home shall make a written determination for each applicant for whom a criminal records check is performed. A nursing home shall not employ a person with an unsatisfactory determination as such term is defined by Section 31-7-350 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated;

(b) Before allowing an individual to serve as a nurse aide or a dining assistant, the nursing home shall contact the state's Nurse Aide Registry to determine whether a finding has been entered concerning abuse, neglect, exploitation, or misappropriation of resident property. The nursing home shall also seek information from other state nurse aide registries that the nursing home believes may contain information on the individual, based on the applicants prior work history; and

(c) The nursing home shall not employ individuals who have been:

1. Found guilty of abusing, neglecting, or mistreating residents by a court of law; or

2. Have had a finding entered into the state Nurse Aide Registry concerning abuse, neglect, exploitation, or misappropriation of resident property.

(2) Documentation of the nursing home's background screening shall be maintained for each employee.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 111-8-56-.26

O.C.G.A. §§ 31-7-1et seq. and 31-7-350, et seq.

Original Rule entitled "Background Screening of Employees" adopted. F. Feb. 20, 2013; eff. Mar. 12, 2013.