Strengthening Background Checks in Senior Living Communities: Insights from OIG 

Angie Szumlinski
|
December 5, 2024
Paper stating Criminal Background Checks

When it comes to background checks in senior living communities, trust is everything. Residents rely on compassionate, skilled, and reliable staff to provide the care they deserve. That’s why the Office of Inspector General (OIG) took a deep dive into the National Background Check Program (NBCP) to evaluate how its helping long-term care providers hire the right people.  

The NBCP was designed to help states build effective systems for conducting thorough background checks in senior living communities. The OIG’s evaluation found that states with fully implemented NBCP checks reduced risks tied to hiring individuals with disqualifying histories, but there’s still work to be done, and the OIG’s findings outline a clear path forward.  

The OIG’s comprehensive report, National Background Check Program for Long-Term Care Providers: A Final Assessment, explores the successes, challenges, and areas for improvement in implementing background checks in senior living communities. National Background Check Program for Long-Term Care Providers: A Final Assessment, OEI-07-24-00100 

If you’re short on time, the highlights report offers a quick yet informative overview of the key findings and recommendations. It’s perfect for a snapshot of the program’s impact and next steps. https://oig.hhs.gov/documents/evaluation/10040/OEI-07-24-00100-highlights.pdf 

By strengthening background checks in senior living communities, providers can assist in ensuring their staff are as trustworthy as they are skilled. It’s about building a culture of care and trust where residents can thrive.  

Stay well and stay informed!  


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