Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the state is receiving a $2 million federal health care grant to design a comprehensive background check program for employees of nursing homes and other long-term care agencies to further strengthen protections for elderly and disabled residents.

The Governor said Connecticut is one of only six states to receive the grant, provided through the Affordable Care Act. The background check program will help identify whether a job seeker has any kind of criminal history or other disqualifying information that could make him or her unsuitable to work directly with residents.  The state Departments of Public Health (DPH) and Public Safety (DPS) will work together on the initiative.

“Our seniors and the disabled require our utmost commitment to their safety and well-being. Families entrust their parents and grandparents to the very places and people who promise caring and compassion and we must ensure we uphold that promise is met,” Governor Rell said. “These funds will allow Connecticut to have one of the most comprehensive background checks in the nation.”

Other states awarded grants were Alaska, Delaware, Florida, Missouri and Rhode Island.  The new law set aside $160 million for the program, which is to run through September 2012.

The national background check for each prospective direct patient care employee must include a history search of both state and federal criminal records, abuse and neglect registries, and databases, such as the Nurse Aide Registry.  The first step for Connecticut is to propose enabling legislation for action during the next legislative session.

Long-term care facilities or providers covered under the new program include nursing facilities, home health agencies, hospice providers, long-term care hospitals, and intermediate care facilities for persons with mental retardation, adult day care, and personal care assistants.