Federal Report Raises Concerns Over Criminal Background Checks in New Jersey Nursing Homes
Following a federal audit, New Jersey nursing facilities’ criminal background checks for personnel were found to be inadequate, raising concerns about resident safety. Federal inspectors discovered that many institutions failed to properly vet direct care staff for vulnerable seniors.
A sample of state nursing homes was audited by the HHS inspector general. Eleven of the 12 sites analyzed either did not comply with federal background check standards or failed to verify compliance for approximately a third of the personnel evaluated.
Multiple disturbing patterns were found. In nine nursing homes, personnel provided care before background checks. Four facilities hired six people without background checks. The background checks for 10 staff members at one nursing facility were not documented. Inspectors warned that improper checks might lead to abuse, neglect, or exploitation, even though the audit could not find any staff had disqualifying criminal history.
The audit found that New Jersey nursing homes had inadequate background screening methods, which contributed to staffing issues. Inspectors also found that the state’s monitoring procedures were poor, allowing workers with questionable backgrounds to work with residents.
State officials noted the findings and noted that the Department of Health cannot directly perform background checks by law. The Legislature has not authorized the department to do State Police or FBI background checks, therefore third-party organizations handle them. According to Acting Health Commissioner Jeffrey Brown, the state could completely comply with federal regulations with this power.
State supervision measures were also included in the study. Since June 2023, recertification surveys include evaluating files for all new recruits since the prior survey, and facilities will receive more compliance instruction.
The findings alarmed long-term care advocates. NJ’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Laurie Facciarossa Brewer called the study “shocking and deeply concerning.” She stressed that while most caregivers are honest and dedicated, nursing home residents are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation, prohibiting background screening errors.
Industry experts shared their views. President and CEO of the Health Care Association of New Jersey, which represents nursing facilities across the state, Andrew Aronson underlined that nurse aides and other health care workers must undergo criminal background checks. He backed the state’s compliance and resident safety measures.
A federal audit emphasizes the need for enhanced governance and processes in New Jersey’s long-term care business. To protect the state’s most vulnerable residents, nursing home personnel must undergo extensive and documented background checks.
Sources:
The HHS Inspector General Reports
NJ Health Dept. Statements
Health Care Association of NJ
New Jersey LTC Ombudsman
