Georgia Plans Improvements in Health Care Background Checks

We have always emphasized on the need for proper employee background checks in every field; especially the senior healthcare sector. We also covered this topic in one of our earlier blogs. It came to our notice that the state of Georgia is taking some very effective measures in that direction. “The elderly and those who use these services are among our most vulnerable citizens,” said David A. Cook, DCH Commissioner.

The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) has received a $2.6 million grant for three years to be used for improving background checks for healthcare providers and caregivers. They plan to develop a better fingerprinting system, which will be used to conduct background checks for care providers, owners of healthcare facilities, and employees. This system will be developed by the DCH Office of the Inspector General and will work with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for identity verification and research. The Georgia DCH hopes that the advanced technology will make the system more efficient and faster.

The grant will also be used towards developing an advanced computer system that will consolidate records, which will in turn save time and money by providing all the details at one place. “By enhancing our fingerprint background check, we are ensuring the peace of mind of families and loved ones,” said Cook. Georgia is the 18th state to join this venture, let us hope that the remaining states will soon follow suit.