CT SB00003

Creates a criminal history and patient abuse background search program administered by the Department of Public Health, effective July 1, 2011, requiring long-term care facilities to conduct background checks on employees and contractors with direct access to or providing direct services to patients before hiring.

Defines "disqualifying offenses" as convictions under federal law (42 USC 1320a-7(a)(1), (2), or (3)) or substantiated findings of neglect, abuse, or misappropriation of property by state or federal agencies.

Establishes a waiver process allowing individuals with disqualifying offenses to request relief based on mitigating circumstances including inaccuracy of records, lack of relationship between offense and position, rehabilitation evidence, or substantial elapsed time.

Permits conditional employment for up to 60 days while background checks are pending if the individual is directly supervised, submits a signed affirmation of no disqualifying offenses, and agrees that a disqualifying offense constitutes grounds for termination.

Modifies nursing home violation penalties by creating Class C violations for failure to comply with background search requirements, imposing a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation.