California is tightening up on its background checks for nurses. According to Sidebreaker.com, w here the state once granted temporary licenses to the nurses, it will no longer do so. California now mandates that all nurses must first be cleared of background checks, before being awarded their licenses.
Coming on the heels of different debacles, both with the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department and various healthcare institution, this new ruling is a prudent move that should be encouraged in all municipal services. I say this not just for California but in other parts of the country where municipal agencies have been largely remiss in conducting background searches on their employment candidates. In many instances, where they do conduct these background checks, the results are not reviewed in a timely fashion and often the candidate review falls between the cracks. As a result, convicted felons and sexual offenders are often hired to work in government agencies.
With respect to the nurses, the parties responsible for oversight have experienced serious lapses in screening. In 2008 the board issued 9,400 temporary nursing licenses. Meanwhile, dozens of nurses with records as convicted felons kept the licenses for months and years after, until the board acted against them. On average the board has taken three years to investigate nurses accused of misconduct, crimes, or stealing a patient’s drugs.
To say the least, this is far too long for any oversight or disciplinary action. While we realize that most states and the municipal agencies and healthcare services within have suffered budget losses due to the economic downturn, public safety is a paramount responsibility. There is really no excuse for allowing convicted felons and sexual predators access to potential victims. And to pay them as employee for the privilege becomes one more act of incompetency that borders on the absurd. We would laugh if it weren’t so serious.
Check them out before you hire.
