Failure to Complete Timely Background Checks on New and Rehired Staff
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to complete required background checks on six employees prior to their start dates, as evidenced by interviews and record reviews. Staff interviews revealed that background checks are supposed to be completed before new hires begin working, with no exceptions. However, it was confirmed that some employees, including those rehired, worked shifts before their background checks were completed or without a new background check being conducted upon rehire. Documentation showed significant delays between hire dates and the completion of background checks for several staff members. Review of facility policies indicated that background and criminal checks are to be initiated within two days of an employment offer and completed prior to employment. Despite this, employee files demonstrated that these procedures were not consistently followed. The issue was acknowledged by staff, who noted that under previous leadership, employees sometimes started work before the necessary checks were completed, and that this had been a recurring problem in the past.