Welcome to the CMS Background Checks web page!
Section 307 of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (PL 108-173) established the framework for a program to evaluate national and state background checks on direct patient access employees of long-term care facilities or providers. The program, which may include up to10 states, is to identify efficient, effective, and economical procedures for long term care facilities or providers to conduct background checks. The checks are to be conducted on prospective direct patient access employees.
For the purposes of this program, a background check includes the checking of any available registries (including the state's Nurse Aid Registry) and state and national criminal history records through a 10-fingerprint check.
Click here to view Section 307 in its entirety. PDF 28K
CMS will select states to participate in the program through a competitive process with other interested states. A formal solicitation package will be available for interested states to download in late May/ early June 2004. CMS plans to select the participating states in September 2004.
Solicitation Package Now Available PDF 272K
August 10, 2004 - Teleconference Clarification Points PDF 167K
Additional Application Instruction & Clarification PDF 39K
Notice of Intent to Apply PDF 23K
States were informed of this unique grant opportunity in a Survey & Certification letter (SC-04-25) dated April 8, 2004. This letter was sent not only to state survey agencies, but also other state entities that may be involved in conducting or overseeing a background check program.
Click here to view SC-04-25. PDF 71K
If you have specific questions please send them via e-mail to: BackgroundChecks@cms.hhs.gov.
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