KY House Passes Nursing Home Background Checks Bill

The Kentucky House has approved a proposal to create a registry of people ineligible for employment at long-term care facilities based on criminal record checks.  The bill passed 62-36 Tuesday.  The bill, which would fingerprint prospective employees as part of the background check process, would be initially funded by a $3 million federal grant and a $1 million state grant. Bill sponsor Representative Carl Rollins says after two years, it would require a $60 to $80 fee from employers to fund it.  The office of the inspector general would be notified if an employee commits a crime after the initial background check and would determine employment eligibility.