Prehire isn't the only record check you need for healthcare workers

Prospective employees at healthcare facilities are subject to a significant number of record checks as part of the postoffer and preemployment procedures, but that isn't the end of the process. Ongoing checks are necessary.

Ready, set, go

For prospective employees, Iowa employers must conduct a Single Contact Repository (SING) check (which includes a review of the state's dependent adult and child abuse listings) and check criminal records. They also must determine if the Iowa Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the state Medicare/Medicaid list show the potential employee has been debarred.

Current and prospective employees with a SING "hit" may be cleared to work via an Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) application. Things start to get more complicated from there.

Check debarred provider list monthly

Employers must check both state and federal debarred provider lists to see if current employees have been added. The checks are typically required on a monthly basis and can be done through the OIG's list of excluded individuals and entities (LEIE) and the DHS.

Being listed as a debarred provider would disqualify the applicant or existing employee from continuing to be employed. Unlike with SING, there is no clearance process for current or potential employees listed as debarred providers and otherwise prohibited from participating in federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid.