Health, Family Health and Preparedness, Licensing

Rule R432-35

Background Screening

Notice of Proposed Rule

(Repeal and Reenact)

DAR File No.: 36879
Filed: 09/28/2012 09:24:56 AM

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

A federal grant was obtained for the Bureau to develop and implement a new background screening process for health care facility employees. The department was required to enact new legislation to implement the conditions of the grant. The current background screening rule did not meet the federal requirements of the new process, so changes were made to implement the new process. The new process will better protect the vulnerable citizens of Utah that reside in or receive services from health care facilities/agencies.

Summary of the rule or change:

Changes to the rule include: a clearance will now be issued for the employee and is no longer attached to just one facility. In the past a clearance was required for each facility or agency that the employee worked for. The new screening process includes a wrap-back system that will automatically notify the department if a new arrest or conviction happens instead of waiting for a two-year renewal check. In the current system, only direct care staff are screened for background issues. The new rule requires that all employees that have direct patient access be screened, which includes employees that have access to patient medical and financial records. All employees requiring a clearance will be required to submit fingerprints to check against the federal data base. Previously, fingerprints had been required only for people who had lived outside of Utah in the past five years. Several new non-criminal records systems will be checked before clearance is issued, such as Occupational and Professional Licensing and the Federal Office of the Inspector General list of excluded individuals. Rule changes were developed with input from major provider associations, including Utah Health Care, Utah Home Care and the Utah Assisted Living associations.

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

• Title 26, Chapter 21

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

The federal grant money will be utilized to get the new process developed and implemented. After that the fees from the providers will be used to maintain the system and data base. There will be no fiscal impact for state government.

local governments:

This rule change will have no fiscal impact on local governments because they do not do background screening.

small businesses:

There will be an up-front cost to get all health employees fingerprinted during the first facility renewal. This cost has been subsidized by 42% using federal grant monies. With this subsidy, the change is estimated to be approximately $68,000 to small health care businesses in the next 2 years. There are approximately 100 small businesses affected. However, the amendment will decrease the long-term costs to the small businesses by stopping duplication of efforts for background screening. Once employees are cleared, they will not be required to resubmit finger prints. Many new hires will have been cleared already by other facilities so no new fees will be required upon hire of those cleared employees. The ongoing costs are estimated to be neutral.

persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local governmental entities:

There will be an up-front cost to get all health employees fingerprinted during the first facility renewal. This cost has been subsidized by 42% using federal grant monies. With this subsidy, the change is estimated to be approximately $425,000 to health care businesses in the next 2 years. There are approximately 380 health care businesses affected. However, the amendment will decrease the long-term costs by stopping duplication of efforts for background screening. Once employees are cleared, they will not be required to resubmit finger prints. Many new hires will have been cleared already by other facilities so no new fees will be required upon hire of those cleared employees. The ongoing costs are estimated to be neutral.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

Some health care businesses may pass the initial cost of the rule requirement for fingerprints on to the employees. Individuals that get hired as new health care employees may have in increase of cost for fingerprinting for the first time, of $36.50. However, this rule amendment will decrease the long-term costs to the affected persons by not requiring duplication of background screening processes with job changes. Once an individual is cleared, they will not be required to resubmit finger prints.

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

This new background screening process will better protect vulnerable residents. The one-time cost to business to obtain fingerprints on all employees will have a cost, but impacted providers have been involved in the development. Any negative comments will be carefully evaluated to minimize unnecessary regulatory burden.

David Patton, PhD, Executive Director

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Health
Family Health and Preparedness, Licensing
CANNON HEALTH BLDG
288 N 1460 W
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84116-3231

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

• Joel Hoffman at the above address, by phone at 801-538-6279, by FAX at 801-538-6024, or by Internet E-mail at jhoffman@utah.gov
• Carmen Richins at the above address, by phone at 801-538-9087, by FAX at 801-538-6024, or by Internet E-mail at carmenrichins@utah.gov

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

11/14/2012

This rule may become effective on:

11/21/2012

Authorized by:

David Patton, Executive Director

R432. Health, Family Health and Preparedness, Licensing.

[ R432-35. Background Screening.

R432-35-1. Authority.

(1) The Utah Code, Section 26-21-9.5, requires that a Bureau of Criminal Identification screening, referred to as BCI, and a child or disabled or elderly adult licensing information system screening be conducted on each person who provides direct care to a patient for the following covered health care agencies and facilities:

(a) Home health care agencies;

(b) Personal Care agencies

(c) Hospice agencies;

(d) Nursing Care facilities;

(e) Assisted Living facilities;

(f) Small Health Care facilities; and

(g) End Stage Renal Disease Facilities.

 

R432-35-2. Purpose.

The purpose of this rule is to define the circumstances under which a person who has been convicted of or charged with a criminal offense or who has a juvenile court substantiated or DHS supported finding report of severe child abuse or neglect or DHS substantiated finding of disabled or elder abuse or neglect, may provide direct care to a patient in a covered health care facility, taking into account the nature of the criminal offense and its relation to patient care.

 

R432-35-3. Definitions.

Terms used in this rule are defined in Title 26, Chapter 21. In addition:

(1) "Covered Individual" means all proposed employees who provide direct patient care in a covered health care facility, including volunteers, existing employees, persons contracted to perform direct care and, for residential settings, all individuals residing in the home where an assisted living or small health care program is to be licensed, who are 18 years old and over.

(2) "Department" means the Utah Department of Health.

(3) "Substantiated" means a Department of Human Service finding, at the completion of an investigation by the Department of Human Services, that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that one or more of the following types of elder or disabled adult abuse or neglect has occurred:

(a) physical abuse;

(b) sexual abuse;

(c) sexual exploitation;

(d) abandonment;

(e) medical neglect resulting in death, disability, or serious illness;

(f) chronic or severe neglect; or

(g) financial exploitation.

(4) "Supported" means a DHS finding, at the completion of an investigation that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that one or more of the following types of severe abuse or neglect has occurred to a child:

(a) severe or chronic physical abuse;

(b) sexual abuse;

(c) sexual exploitation;

(d) abandonment;

(e) medical neglect resulting in death, disability, or serious illness; or

(f) chronic or severe emotional abuse.

(5) "Unsupervised Contact" means contact with residents or patients that provides the unsupervised person opportunity and probability for personal communication or touch or for access to personal funds and property when not under the direct supervision of a health care provider or employee.

(6) "Volunteer" means an individual who is not directly compensated for providing care, including family members of patients or residents enrolled in the program, whose duties assigned by a health care provider or employee include unsupervised contact in a health care facility on a regularly scheduled basis of one or more times per month.

 

R432-35-4. Bureau of Criminal Identification.

(1) The Utah Code, Section 26-21-9.5, requires that a BCI be conducted on covered individuals requesting to be licensed, to renew a license, or to be employed or volunteer in a covered health care facility.

(a) The health care facility shall submit applicant information within ten days of initially hiring an individual, include fees and releases to the Department to allow the Department to perform a criminal background screening.

(b) If the BCI indicates that the covered individual has a criminal record that indicates there is a conviction for a felony or misdemeanor the Department shall review the criminal convictions to determine whether to approve the covered individual for licensing or employment.

(c) If a covered individual applicant has not had residency in Utah for the last five years, the covered individual shall submit fingerprints for an FBI national criminal history record check.

(2) The Department shall review any criminal convictions, consistent with R432-35, to determine if action should be taken to protect the health and safety of patients and residents receiving health care services in the covered health care facility.

(3) If the Department takes an action adverse to any covered individual, based upon the criminal background screening, the Department shall send a Notice of Agency Action to the health care provider and the covered individual explaining the action and the right of appeal.

 

R432-35-5. Exclusion from Direct Patient Care Due to Criminal Convictions or Pending Charges.

(1) As required by Utah Code Ann. Subsection 26-21-9.5(6), if a covered individual has been convicted of a felony or is a misdemeanor that is not excluded under paragraphs (2) or (3) below, the covered individual may not provide direct patient care or volunteer. If such a covered individual resides in a home where health care is provided, the Department may revoke an existing license or and refuse to permit health care services in the home until the Department is reasonably convinced that the covered individual no longer resides in the home or that the individual will not have unsupervised contact with any child or disabled or elderly adult in care at the home.

(2) As allowed by Utah Code Ann. Subsection 26-21-9.5(6), the Department hereby excludes the following misdemeanors and determines that a misdemeanor conviction listed below does not disqualify a covered individual from providing direct patient care:

(a) any class B or C conviction under Chapter 6, Title 76, Offenses Against Property, Utah Criminal Code;

(b) any class B or C conviction under Chapter 6a, Title 76, Pyramid Schemes, Utah Criminal Code;

(c) any class B or C conviction under Chapter 8, Title 76, Offenses Against the Administration of Government, Utah Criminal Code;

(d) any class B or C conviction under Chapter 9, Title 76, Offenses Against Public Order and Decency, Utah Criminal Code, except for 76-9-301.8, Bestiality; 76-9-702, Lewdness; and 76-9-702.5, Lewdness Involving Child; and

(e) any class B or C conviction under Chapter 10, Title 76, Offenses Against Public Health, Welfare, Safety and Morals, Utah Criminal Code, except for 76-10-1201 to 1229.5, Pornographic and Harmful Materials and Performances; 76-10-1301 to 1314, Prostitution; and 76-10-2301, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor.

(3) The Executive Director may exclude, on a case-by-case basis, other misdemeanors not covered under paragraph (2) of this section if the misdemeanor did not involve violence against a child or a family member or unauthorized sexual conduct with a child or disabled adult. The following factors will be used in deciding under what circumstance, if any, the covered individual will be allowed to provide direct patient care or to volunteer in a covered health care facility:

(a) Types and number of offenses;

(b) Passage of time since the offense was committed; offenses more than five years old do not bar approval or a license, certificate or employment;

(c) Circumstances surrounding the commission of the offense;

(d) Intervening circumstances since the commission of the offense; and

(e) Relationship of the facts under subsections (a) through (d) of this section to the individual's suitability to work with children and disabled and elderly adults.

(4) The Department shall rely on the criminal background screening and search of court records as conclusive evidence of the conviction and the Department may revoke or deny a license and employment based on that evidence.

(5) If the Department denies a covered individual a license or employment based upon the criminal background screening and the covered individual disagrees with the information provided by the Criminal Investigations and Technical Services Division or court record, the covered individual may challenge the information as provided in Utah Code Ann. Sections 77-18-10 through 77-18-15.

(6) All covered health care facilities must report all felony and misdemeanor arrests, charges or convictions of covered individuals to the Department within 48 hours of discovery.

 

R432-35-6. Licensing Information System.

(1) Pursuant to Utah Code 26-21-9.5(3) the Department shall screen all covered individuals for a history of substantiated abuse or neglect of a disabled or elder adult or a supported finding of severe abuse or neglect of a child, from the licensing information system maintained by the Utah Department of Human Services (DHS).

(2) If a covered individual appears on the licensing information system, the Department shall review the date of the supported or substantiated finding, type of substantiation, written documentation, and the legal status of the covered individual.

(3) If the Department determines there exists credible evidence that the covered individual poses a threat to the safety and health of children or disabled or elder adults being served in a covered health care facility, the Department shall not grant or renew a license, or employment.

(4) If the Department denies or revokes a license or employment based upon the licensing information system, the Department shall send a Notice of Agency Action to the licensee and the covered individual.

(5) If the covered individual disagrees with the record of substantiation of elder or disabled adult abuse or supported finding of severe child abuse or neglect , he must pursue an appeal with the DHS or the juvenile court. If the covered individual agrees with the substantiated or supported finding of abuse or neglect that was the basis of the Department's denial or revocation, but disagrees with the Department's denial or revocation, the covered individual may request a hearing with the Department.

(a) Upon request, the Department may permit the covered individual to be employed under supervision until a decision is reached and if the applicant can demonstrate that the work arrangement does not pose a threat to the safety and health of children or disabled or elder adults being served in the licensed health care facility.

(b) If a covered individual appeals the record of substantiation or supported finding, the Department may hold the license or employment denial in abeyance until DHS or the juvenile court renders a decision,.

(6) If the DHS determines a covered individual has a substantiated or supported finding of abuse, or neglect after the Department issues a license, or grants employment, the licensee and covered individual has five working days to notify the Department. Failure to notify the Department may result in revocation of the license.

 

R432-35-7. Covered Individuals with Arrests or Pending Criminal Charges.

(1) If the Department determines there exists credible evidence that a covered individual has been arrested or charged with a felony or a misdemeanor that would not be excluded under R432-5(2), the Department may act to protect the health and safety of patients and residents in covered health care facilities that the individual may have contact with. The Department may revoke or suspend any license or employment if necessary to protect the health and safety of patients and residents in care.

(2) Upon request, the Department may permit the covered individual to be employed under supervision until the felony or misdemeanor charge is resolved, if the facility can demonstrate that the individual can work without posing a threat to the safety and health of the resident or patient being served in the licensed health care facility.

(3) If the Department denies or revokes a license, or restricts employment based upon the arrest or felony or misdemeanor charge, the Department shall send a Notice of Agency Action to the licensee and the covered individual notifying them that they may request a hearing with the Department.

(4) The Department may hold the license or employment denial in abeyance until the arrest or felony or misdemeanor charge is resolved.

 

R432-35-8. Penalties.

The department may impose civil monetary penalties in accordance with Title 26, Chapter 23, Utah Health Code Enforcement Provisions and Penalties, if there has been a failure to comply with the provisions of this chapter, or rules promulgated pursuant to this chapter, as follows:

(1) if significant problems exist that are likely to lead to the harm of an individual resident, the department may impose a civil penalty of $50 to $1,000 per day; and

(2) if significant problems exist that result in actual harm to a resident, the department may impose a civil penalty of $1,050 to $10,000 per day.]

R432-35. Background Screening -- Health Facilities.

R432-35-1. Authority.

This rule is adopted pursuant to Title 26 Chapter 21 Part 2.

 

R432-35-2. Purpose.

To outline the process required for individuals to be cleared to have direct patient access while employed by a covered provider, covered contractor or covered employer.

 

R432-35-3. Definitions.

Terms used in this rule are defined in Title 26, Chapter 21 Part 2.

In addition:

(1) "Aged" means an individual who is 60 years of age or older.

(2) "Clearance" means approval by the department under Section 26-21-203 for an individual to have direct patient access.

(3) "Covered body" means a covered provider, covered contractor, or covered employer.

(4) "Corporation" means a corporation that has business interest/connection to covered providers that employ individuals who provide consultative services which may result in direct patient access.

(5) "Covered contractor" means a person or corporation that supplies covered individuals, by contract, to:

(a) a covered employer, or

(b) a covered provider for services within the scope of the health facility license.

(6) "Covered employer" means an individual who:

(a) engages a covered individual to provide services in a private residence to:

(i) an aged individual, as defined by department rule; or

(ii) a disabled individual, as defined by department rule;

(b) is not a covered provider; and

(c) is not a licensed health care facility within the state.

(7) "Covered individual":

(a) means an individual:

(i) whom a covered body engages; and

(ii) who may have direct patient access;

(b) which may include:

(i) a nursing assistant;

(ii) a personal care aide;

(iii) an individual licensed to engage in the practice of nursing under Title 58, Chapter 31b, Nurse Practice Act;

(iv) a provider of medical, therapeutic, or social services, including a provider of laboratory and radiology services;

(v) an executive;

(vi) administrative staff, including a manager or other administrator;

(vii) dietary and food service staff;

(viii) housekeeping;

(ix) transportation staff;

(x) maintenance staff; and

(xi) volunteer as defined by department rule.

(c) does not include a student directly supervised by a member of the staff of the covered body or the student's instructor.

(8) "Covered provider" means:

(a) an end stage renal disease facility;

(b) a long-term care hospital;

(c) a nursing care facility;

(d) a small health care facility;

(e) an assisted living facility;

(f) a hospice;

(g) a home health agency; or

(h) a personal care agency.

(9) "Direct patient access" means for an individual to be in a position where the individual could, in relation to a patient or resident of the covered body who engages the individual:

(a) cause physical or mental harm;

(b) commit theft; or

(c) view medical or financial records.

(10) "Disabled individual" means an individual who has limitations with two or more major life activities, such as caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and employment.

(11) "Engage" means to obtain one's services:

(a) by employment;

(b) by contract;

(c) as a volunteer; or

(d) by other arrangement.

(12) "Long-term care hospital":

(a) means a hospital that is certified to provide long-term care services under the provisions of 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1395tt; and

(b) does not include a critical access hospital, designated under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1395i-4(c)(2).

(13) "Nursing Assistant" means an individual who performs duties under the supervision of a nurse, which may include a nurse aide, personal care aide or certified nurse aide.

(14) "Patient" means an individual who receives health care services from one of the following covered providers:

(a) an end stage renal disease facility;

(b) a long-term care hospital;

(c) a hospice;

(d) a home health agency; or

(e) a personal care agency.

(15) "Resident" means an individual who receives health care services from one of the following covered providers:

(a) a nursing care facility;

(b) a small health care facility;

(c) an assisted living facility; or

(d) a hospice that provides living quarters as part of its services.

(16) "Residential setting" means a place provided by a covered provider:

(a) for residents to live as part of the services provided by the covered provider; and

(b) where an individual who is not a resident also lives.

(17) "Volunteer" means an individual who may have unsupervised direct patient access who is not directly compensated for providing services.

The following groups or individuals are excluded as volunteers and are not required to complete the background clearance process as defined in R432-35:

(a) Clergy;

(b) Religious groups;

(c) Entertainment groups;

(d) Resident family members;

(e) Patient family members; and

(f) Individuals volunteering services for 20 hours per month or less.

 

R432-35-4. Covered Provider - Direct Access Clearance System Process.

(1) Utah Code, Title 26, Chapter 21, Part 2 requires that a covered provider enter required information into the Direct Access Clearance System to initiate a clearance for each covered individual prior to issuance of a provisional license, license renewal or engagement as a covered individual.

(2) The covered provider must ensure that the engaged covered individual:

(a) Signs a criminal background screening authorization form which must be available for review by the department; and

(b) Submits fingerprints within 15 working days of engagement.

(3) The covered provider must ensure the Direct Access Clearance System reflects the current status of the covered individual within 5 working days of the engagement or termination.

(4) A covered provider may provisionally engage a covered individual while direct patient access clearance is pending.

(5) If the Department determines an individual is not eligible for direct patient access, based on information obtained through the Direct Access Clearance System, the Department shall send a Notice of Agency Action to the covered provider and the individual explaining the action and the individual's right of appeal as defined in R432-30.

(6) The Department may allow a covered individual direct patient access with conditions, during an appeal process, if the covered individual can demonstrate the work arrangement does not pose a threat to the safety and health of patients or residents.

(7) A covered provider that provides services in a residential setting must enter required information into the Direct Access Clearance System to initiate and obtain a clearance for all individuals 12 years of age and older, who are not residents, and reside in the residential setting. If the individual is not eligible for clearance as defined in R432-35-8, the Department may revoke an existing license or deny licensure for healthcare services in the residential setting.

(8) Covered individuals under the age of 18 are not required to submit fingerprints as part of the Direct Access Clearance process. Covered individuals, while engaged with a covered provider, are required to submit fingerprints within 15 working days of their 18th birthday.

(9) Covered providers requesting to renew a license as a health care facility must enter required information into the Direct Access Clearance System to initiate and obtain a clearance for each covered individual.

(10) Individuals or covered individuals requesting to be licensed as a covered provider must submit required information to the Department to initiate and obtain a clearance prior to the issuance of the provisional license. If the individuals are not eligible for clearance as defined in R432-35-8, the Department may revoke an existing license or deny licensure as a health care facility.

 

R432-35-5. Covered Contractor - Direct Access Clearance System Process.

(1) Utah Code, Title 26, Chapter 21, Part 2 requires that a covered contractor enter required information into the Direct Access Clearance System to initiate a clearance for each covered individual prior to being supplied by contract to a covered provider.

(2) A covered contractor must ensure that the covered individual, being supplied by contract to a covered provider:

(a) Signs a criminal background screening authorization form which must be available for review by the department; and

(b) Submits fingerprints within 15 working days of placement with a covered provider.

(3) The covered contractor must ensure the Direct Access Clearance System reflects the current status of the covered individual within 5 working days of placement or termination.

(4) A covered contractor may provisionally supply a covered individual to a covered provider while clearance is pending.

(5) If the Department determines an individual is not eligible for direct patient access, based on information obtained through the Direct Access Clearance System, the Department shall send a Notice of Agency Action to the covered contractor and the individual explaining the action and the individual's right of appeal as defined in R432-30.

(6) The Department may allow a covered individual direct patient access with conditions, during an appeal process, if the covered individual can demonstrate the work arrangement does not pose a threat to the safety and health of patients or residents.

(7) Covered individuals under the age of 18 are not required to submit fingerprints as part of the Direct Access Clearance process. Covered individuals, while engaged with a covered contractor, are required to submit fingerprints within 15 working days of their 18th birthday.

 

R432-35-6. Covered Employer - Direct Access Clearance System Process.

(1) Utah Code, Title 26, Chapter 21, Part 2 requires that a covered employer be allowed to enter required information into the Direct Access Clearance System to initiate and obtain a clearance for a covered individual.

(2) If the Department determines an individual is not eligible for direct patient access, based on information obtained through the Direct Access Clearance System, the Department shall send a Notice of Agency Action to the covered employer and the individual explaining the action and the individual's right of appeal as defined in R432-30.

 

R432-35-7. Sources for Background Review.

(1) As required in Utah Code 26-21-204 the department may review relevant information obtained from the following sources:

(a) Department of Public Safety arrest, conviction, and disposition records described in Title 53, Chapter 10, Criminal Investigations and Technical Services Act, including information in state, regional, and national records files;

(b) juvenile court arrest, adjudication, and disposition records, as allowed under Section 78A-6-209;

(c) federal criminal background databases available to the state;

(d) the Department of Human Services' Division of Child and Family Services Licensing Information System described in Section 62A-4a-1006;

(e) child abuse or neglect findings described in Section 78A-6-323;

(f) the Department of Human Services' Division of Aging and Adult Services vulnerable adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation database described in Section 62A-3-311.1;

(g) registries of nurse aids described in Title 42 Code of Federal Regulations Section 483.156;

(h) licensing and certification records of individuals licensed or certified by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing under Title 58, Occupations and Professions; and

(i) the List of Excluded Individuals and Entities database maintained by the United States Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General.

(2) If the Department determines an individual is not eligible for direct patient access based upon the criminal background screening and the individual disagrees with the information provided by the Criminal Investigations and Technical Services Division or court record, the individual may challenge the information as provided in Utah Code Annotated Sections 77-18a.

(3) If the Department determines an individual is not eligible for direct patient access based upon the non-criminal background screening and the individual disagrees with the information provided, the individual may challenge the information through the appropriate agency.

 

R432-35-8. Exclusion from Direct Patient Access.

(1) Criminal Convictions or Pending Charges

(a) As required by Utah Code Subsection 26-21-204, if an individual or covered individual has been convicted, has pleaded no contest, or is subject to a plea in abeyance or diversion agreement, for the following offenses, they may not have direct patient access:

(i) any felony or class A conviction under Utah Criminal Code.

(ii) any felony or class A, B or C conviction under Title 76, Chapter 5 Offenses Against the Person, Utah Criminal Code;

(iii) any felony or class A conviction under Title 76, Chapter 6, Offenses Against Property, Utah Criminal Code;

(iv) any felony or class A conviction under Title 76, Chapter 6a, Pyramid Schemes, Utah Criminal Code;

(v) any felony or class A conviction under Title 76, Chapter 8, Offenses Against the Administration of Government, Utah Criminal Code;

(vi) any felony or class A conviction under Title 76, Chapter 9, Offenses Against Public Order and Decency, Utah Criminal Code;

(vii) any felony or class A, B or C conviction under the following Utah Criminal Codes:

(A) 76-9-301.8, Bestiality;

(B) 76-9-702, Lewdness - Sexual Battery - Public urination; and

(C) 76-9-702.5, Lewdness Involving Child.

(viii) any felony or class A conviction under Title 76, Chapter 10, Offenses Against Public Health, Welfare, Safety and Morals, Utah Criminal Code;

(ix) any felony or class A, B or C conviction under the following Utah Criminal Codes:

(A) 76-10-1201 to 1229.5, Pornographic and Harmful Materials and Performances; and

(B) 76-10-1301 to 1314, Prostitution;

(x) any felony or class A conviction under Utah Criminal Code 76-10-2301, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor;

(b) As required by Utah Code Subsection 26-21-204, if an individual or covered individual has a warrant for arrest or an arrest for any of the identified offenses in R432-35-8(1)(a), the department may deny clearance based on:

(i) the type of offense;

(ii) the severity of offense; and

(iii) potential risk to patients or residents.

(c) The following factors may be considered in determining under what circumstance, if any, the covered individual will be allowed direct patient access in a covered provider:

(i) types and number of offenses;

(ii) passage of time since the offense was committed; offenses more than five years old do not bar approval or a license, certificate or employment;

(iii) circumstances surrounding the commission of the offense; and

(iv) intervening circumstances since the commission of the offense. The Executive Director may exclude, on a case-by-case basis, misdemeanors listed under paragraph (a) of this section if the misdemeanor did not involve violence against a child or a family member or unauthorized sexual conduct with a child or disabled adult.

(d) The Department shall rely on the criminal background screening and search of court records as conclusive evidence of the conviction and may deny clearance based on that evidence.

(2) Juvenile Records

(a) As required by Utah Code Subsection 26-21-204(4)(a)(ii)(E), juvenile court records shall be reviewed if an individual or covered individual is:

(i) under the age of 28.

(ii) over the age of 28, and has convictions or pending charges identified in R432-35-8(1)(a).

(b) Adjudications by a juvenile court may exclude the individual from direct patient access if the adjudications refer to an act that, if committed by an adult, would be a felony or a misdemeanor.

(3) Non-Criminal Records

(a) As required by Utah Code Subsection 26-21-204(3), the Department may review findings from the following sources to determine whether an individual or covered individual should be granted or retain direct patient access:

(i) the Department of Human Services' Division of Child and Family Services Licensing Information System described in Section 62A-4a-1006;

(ii) child abuse or neglect findings described in Section 78A-6-323;

(iii) the Department of Human Services' Division of Aging and Adult Services vulnerable adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation database described in Section 62A-3-311.1;

(iv) registries of nurse aids described in Title 42 Code of Federal Regulations Section 483.156;

(v) licensing and certification records of individuals licensed or certified by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing under Title 58, Occupations and Professions; and

(vi) the List of Excluded Individuals and Entities database maintained by the United States Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General.

 

R432-35-9. Covered Individuals with Arrests or Pending Criminal Charges.

(1) If the Department determines there exists credible evidence that a covered individual has been arrested or charged with a felony or a misdemeanor that would be excluded under R432-35-8(1), the Department may act to protect the health and safety of patients or residents in covered providers.

(2) The Department may allow a covered individual direct patient access with conditions, until the arrest or criminal charges are resolved, if the covered individual can demonstrate the work arrangement does not pose a threat to the safety and health of patients or residents.

(3) If the Department denies or revokes a license, or denies direct patient access based upon arrest or criminal charges, the Department shall send a Notice of Agency Action to the covered provider and the covered individual notifying them of the right to appeal in accordance with R432-30.

 

R432-35-10. Penalties.

The department may impose civil monetary penalties in accordance with Title 26, Chapter 23, Utah Health Code Enforcement Provisions and Penalties, if there has been a failure to comply with the provisions of this chapter, or rules promulgated pursuant to this chapter, as follows:

(1) if significant problems exist that are likely to lead to the harm of an individual resident, the department may impose a civil penalty of $50 to $1,000 per day; and

(2) if significant problems exist that result in actual harm to a resident, the department may impose a civil penalty of $1,050 to $10,000 per day.

 

KEY: health care facilities, background screening

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: [October 1, 2011]2012

Notice of Continuation: May 27, 2008

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 26-21-9.5