I will soon introduce legislation to strengthen the ability of employers to conduct employment history reviews for prospective employees seeking positions that involve direct contact with older adults in facilities and temporary health care services agencies.

Under this legislation, a facility or temporary health care services agency would be required to complete an employment history review before hiring an individual in a position involving direct care with older adults. As part of the application process, the applicant must provide information about their current employer and former employers that were facilities or where the applicant previously worked directly with older adults. The applicant must also provide written authorization permitting these employers to disclose relevant employment records and releasing them from the liability associated with providing such information.

The hiring employer would be required to contact each former employer to verify employment dates and determine whether the applicant had ever been the subject of an investigation related to reportable conduct, excluding allegations found to be false. The hiring employer must also confirm whether the applicant had been disciplined, discharged, non-renewed, asked to resign, or had resigned while allegations were under investigation, and whether the applicant had their license or certificate suspended, surrendered or revoked. The current employer must provide the same information and additionally disclose whether the applicant is currently under investigation or has been disciplined for reportable conduct.

This legislation is intended to prevent individuals from moving from facility to facility following conduct that demonstrates they are unfit to care for older adults. This remains an ongoing issue because employers cannot currently share relevant employment history without facing liability risks, leaving serious concerns unreported and allowing individuals with troubling histories to secure new positions. By establishing a clear and legally protected process for disclosing this information, this bill will enable employers to make more informed hiring decisions and better protect vulnerable residents.   

Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation to help ensure our older Pennsylvanians are receiving the safe, high-quality care they deserve.