New Reboletti-sponsored Law Ensures Employees of Long-Term Care Facilities Undergo Background Checks

September 07. 2007

Springfield … The Governor signed into law legislation co-sponsored by State Representative Dennis Reboletti that will ensure seniors and handicapped individuals do not fall victim to convicted felons while living in a long-term care facility. The new law (House Bill 808) will require all assisted living and shared housing employees to undergo a criminal background check as part of their hiring process.

“In an effort to protect seniors and provide piece of mind to their families, background checks will be required for all employees entrusted to care for seniors,” Reboletti said. “We need to ensure that only the most trustworthy individuals are allowed to care for those who are unable in many cases to protect or defend themselves.”

Under previous law, only staff members who provide direct care and have access to the living quarters or the financial, medical or personal records of residents were required to submit to a background check. This legislation received bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate and was supported by AARP. Additional questions can be directed to Reboletti’s office at (630) 530-2730.
# # #