Why nursing homes need to employ stricter hiring protocols.
Good business owners know that their employees are their biggest assets. This is especially true for businesses in the healthcare industry. This is because employees, such as those working for nursing homes, are responsible for important tasks such as administering treatment to patients, handling expensive equipment, and dealing with potentially dangerous situations. If you are hiring for your nursing home, then it’s incredibly important to make sure that you hire a trustworthy and capable candidate. This is why nursing homes need to employ stricter hiring protocols and stringent background checks.
The Risk of Hiring Unfit Employees
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, nursing homes across the country struggle with negligent hiring practices. Shockingly, numbers from 2017 reveal that over 90% of nursing homes have hired employees with criminal convictions on their records. With these numbers in mind, the potential for a major negligent hiring claim is considerable. On average, negligent hiring claims result in $1 million in damages, and about 70% of employers lose such claims.
Why Background Checks Should Be Part of the Hiring Process
The best way to reduce the risks associated with hiring unfit employees is by implementing stricter hiring procedures. For instance, subjecting all applicants to a stringent background check is a great way to verify that you are hiring a qualified worker. While there is no universally accepted standard for background checks, here are some of the essential features that you should incorporate into your background screening procedures:
- Criminal history– The background check should look into municipal and state criminal databases for the addresses provided by the applicant.
- Name and address– The check should also verify that the addresses provided by the applicant are legitimate.
- Previous employer verification– The check should verify the applicant’s previous employers. You should then follow up with these employers to ensure that the applicant has the qualifications and experience that they claim.
- Sex offender registry– The check should verify that the applicant is not listed on a sex offender registry. Sometimes this does not show up on the criminal history check, so take this extra step before hiring.
- Health and Human Services reports– Some applicants are excluded from participation in federal programs like Medicare or Medicaid due to their criminal history or fraudulent past. So, check with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to verify the applicant’s eligibility.
This is why nursing homes need to employ stricter hiring protocols, such as using background checks. Want another way to protect your healthcare facility? If so, then secure the right business insurance to fit your needs. For assistance with your commercial coverage needs, contact the experts at PMC Insurance Group today.
