What Kind of Background Checks Do Nursing Homes Do?

In 2025, nursing homes and long-term care facilities are expected to conduct background checks on employees to help protect residents and staff.

However, when facilities fail to screen employees properly, residents may be at risk of nursing home neglect, abuse, and serious harm.

Did You Know

A background check for nursing home employees helps identify potential red flags in a job applicant’s history, like criminal records, gaps in employment, and lack of references.

A thorough background check helps prevent facilities from hiring individuals with a history of abuse, violence, or neglect, creating a safer environment for residents.

When nursing homes cut corners on background checks, unqualified or dangerous staff may be hired. Facilities that fail to prioritize safety put residents at risk of injuries, emotional trauma, and even life-threatening nursing home abuse.

A strong screening process is one way to help prevent nursing home abuse and neglect while reinforcing a facility’s commitment to safety, trust, and quality care.

If you’re concerned about unsafe staff or neglect in a nursing home, talking to a lawyer can help you understand your options.

Get a free case review right now.

Do Nursing Homes Do Background Checks?

Yes, state and federal regulations require a background check on employees in nursing homes to protect vulnerable residents and uphold care standards. These screenings verify an applicant’s history to ensure they are qualified and do not pose a risk.

Here are 10 screenings in a standard background check for nursing home employees:

Criminal history checks: Reviews state and federal records for offenses like abuse, violence, fraud, and drug-related crimes
Sex offender registry: Confirms whether an applicant is listed as a registered sex offender to reduce the risk of nursing home sexual abuse
Employment verification: Confirms an individual’s work history and assesses their reliability and professionalism
Reference checks: Gathers insights into an applicant’s character, work habits, and interpersonal skills
Professional license verification: Ensures that an applicant holds valid and up-to-date nursing or caregiver credentials
Adult Abuse Registry: Checks state-maintained records for prior cases of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation
Exclusion checks: Identifies whether an individual is barred from working in federally funded health care programs due to fraud, abuse, or other violations
Drug screening: Tests for illegal substances or prescription drug misuse to prevent medication errors caused by staff stealing residents’ medications
Fingerprinting: Verifies an applicant’s identity and allows for a more thorough criminal background screening
Certifications verification: Confirms that an applicant has completed specialized training, such as CPR or dementia care certification

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) also has guidelines for nursing homes participating in their programs.

Many facilities follow industry standards from organizations like the American Health Care Association (AHCA) and the National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA).

Without proper screening, individuals with a history of abuse or criminal activities may gain access to vulnerable residents, risking their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.

Ongoing Background Checks for Nursing Home Employees

A one-time background check is not always enough to keep residents safe. Nursing homes should have clear policies and ongoing monitoring to prevent unqualified individuals from gaining or keeping employment.

Key elements of an effective nursing home background check process include:

Abuse prevention training: Educating staff on resident rights, ethical caregiving, and recognizing the types of nursing home abuse
Consistent screening policies: Ensuring all hires undergo the same level of vetting while meeting state and federal regulations
HR training: Teaching staff how to handle screening procedures, legal requirements, and confidentiality
Ongoing monitoring: Regularly checking for new arrests, license suspensions, or disciplinary actions after hiring

A strong screening process reduces the risk of hiring individuals who pose a danger to residents and helps maintain a safe care environment.

Do Nursing Homes Do Background Checks on Patients?

Although background checks for residents aren’t typical, some facilities still review a resident’s medical and behavioral history to ensure safe placement. This step helps protect both residents and staff.

In certain cases, state laws may require background checks on incoming residents, especially in public or government-funded nursing homes.

Background checks on nursing home patients may include:

Behavioral screenings: Ensure safety in memory care or specialized units
Criminal history reviews: Assess risks like physical abuse of staff and other residents
Sex offender registry checks: Determine placement and restrictions

While not standard practice, some nursing homes take additional precautions when admitting residents with a history of behavioral or legal concerns.

Do Nursing Home Background Checks Prevent Abuse?

While background checks play a crucial role in preventing abuse, they are not a foolproof solution.

Nursing home background checks do have limitations:

Some states have weaker screening requirements than others.
Staffing shortages can lead to rushed hiring, increasing the risk of unqualified caregivers slipping through.
They may not catch individuals who have never been reported or convicted of abuse.

While background checks are an important safeguard, preventing nursing home abuse also requires strong oversight, proper staff training, adequate staffing levels, and clear reporting procedures for residents and families.

Get Help Protecting Your Loved One

Nursing homes have a responsibility to screen staff properly and ensure resident safety. If a facility hires an employee with a history of abuse, neglect, or misconduct, they may be held liable if harm occurs.

If your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home, taking legal action can help hold the facility accountable and seek compensation. It can also push for better care standards, protecting other residents.

An experienced nursing home abuse attorney can guide you through the legal process and protect your loved one’s rights.

Call the Nursing Home Abuse Center right now at (855) 264-6310 or get a free case review. We may be able to fight for the compensation and justice your family deserves.