The bill amends Section 40.1-25.1-3 of the General Laws concerning the criminal records check requirement for employees in programs operated by the department. It allows applicants for employment who will have routine contact with patients, residents, or clients without the presence of other employees to apply for a national criminal records check through a qualified vendor. The bill eliminates the previous requirement that only organizations employing 250 or more employees were mandated to conduct these checks, thereby expanding the scope of organizations subject to this requirement.

The bill also specifies that any expenses associated with obtaining the criminal records check will no longer be the responsibility of the organization for those employing fewer than 250 employees. The act is set to take effect upon passage.