Protecting the Vulnerable
This bill requires employers of businesses such as home health care service providers, nursing homes, etc., that are entrusted with the care of “vulnerable citizens” to verify the results of an enhanced (Level 2) criminal background check for an individual, prior to their employment.
Currently, there is a required (Level 1) criminal background check, but oftentimes facilities are hiring individuals before they get the results the background check. In instances where the background check comes in and reflects that the employee has a criminal record that would otherwise disqualify them for employment, people have already been exposed and some facilities still choose to retain the disqualified employees. (See bill for details)
More Information:
There are currently two types of background screenings conducted as required by Chapter 435, F.S.
- Level 1 background screening consists of a search of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) database for the criminal history of an individual.
- Level 2 background screening consists of a search of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) databases for any criminal information at the state and national levels on an individual.
