Connecticut Senate Bill SB00445

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/19
• Refer: 1/23/19

Caption

An Act Requiring A Criminal History Records Check Of Employees And Subcontractors Of Home Health Care Agencies And Homemaker-companion Agencies.

Impact

If enacted, SB00445 would result in significant changes to the hiring practices and operational protocols of home health care agencies. By instituting mandatory background checks, agencies would need to allocate resources and time to comply with the new requirements, potentially leading to delays in hiring and increased administrative costs. However, supporters argue that these measures are necessary to safeguard the health and welfare of patients, particularly those who are elderly or disabled and may be more susceptible to abuse or neglect.

Summary

SB00445 is a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing the safety and security of vulnerable populations served by home health care agencies and homemaker-companion agencies. The bill mandates that a criminal history records check be performed on all current and future employees and subcontractors working in these sectors. This initiative is designed to protect the residents who rely on the services provided by these agencies, ensuring that individuals with criminal backgrounds do not have access to sensitive environments where they could exploit vulnerable individuals.

Contention

Despite the intended benefits, there may be contention surrounding the logistics and implications of the bill. Critics might raise concerns about the balance between ensuring safety and respecting the rights of individuals with past convictions who are seeking employment. Additionally, there could be debates regarding the sufficiency of the checks and whether they are comprehensive enough to provide true protection. Lawmakers and advocacy groups may diverge on the effectiveness of such regulations, weighing the need for stricter vetting processes against the impact on employment opportunities for former offenders.