Larkin Seeks Tougher Background Checks On Nursing Home Employees

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) today announced the New York State Senate has passed legislation (S.6630) he is cosponsoring to require the review of the criminal history of prospective employees of nursing homes and home care services agencies.

"This legislation would make several technical changes to current law that I believe are necessary to strengthen the way we screen prospective employees of nursing homes and home care services agencies," said Senator Larkin. "One key aspect of the plan would make our criminal history checks in New York consistent with current Federal Bureau of Investigation practices."

The Larkin proposal would also clarify that the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services is authorized to submit fingerprints to the FBI. In addition, the legislation would change the effective date in order to allow the Department of Health a reasonable amount of time to implement the program.

The bill now goes to the Assembly.