CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources says a program to screen prospective workers at long-term care centers is working.
Started in August, the department says nine people already have been flagged as not eligible for employment. Three were wanted for crimes in other states. State police were informed of the three.
The program, called WV CARES, requires that applicants be fingerprinted for state and federal background checks.
Long-term care facilities in West Virginia are home to some 12,000 people. Approximately 18,000 are employed by long-term care centers, which include assisted living facilities as well as care centers for people with intellectual disabilities.
The checks are required of all prospective workers in skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies and in hospice care, among others.