Ever get that feeling something might be slipping through the cracks? When it comes to background check compliance in senior living, there’s no room for guesswork. A recent federal audit in New Jersey uncovered alarming gaps that could have serious consequences for residents and communities alike.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched the National Background Check Program under the Affordable Care Act to help long-term care providers, including skilled nursing communities, home health agencies, and hospice care, properly screen direct access employees. Designed in consultation with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI, the program’s goal is to create efficient, consistent procedures that help protect residents from abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

But not everyone is following through. According to a recent OIG report on New Jersey, 11 out of 12 nursing homes in the audit failed to comply with background check requirements. In total, 17 staff members across nine communities were allowed to begin working with residents before their background checks were even completed. Even more troubling, four nursing homes hired six employees without conducting any checks at all. One nursing home could not produce documentation for ten staff members during the audit.

The full audit findings emphasize the need for stronger internal oversight. These lapses were not just paperwork errors. They reflect weak procedures that leave vulnerable residents exposed. With more than 1.2 million people living in senior living communities, and over half depending on Medicare or Medicaid, proper screening is not optional. It is a responsibility.

So let’s get honest. Do you know if your own community’s system for conducting background checks is working the way it should? When is the last time it was audited? If you are part of a larger organization, are corporate checks and balances truly catching mistakes before they become liabilities?

Background check compliance in senior living is not just about ticking a box. It is about standing up for the dignity and well-being of every resident in your care. If nothing else, pull a few employee files today and take a closer look. A quiet review now can save your community from a very loud visit later.

Stay well and stay informed!