Corra Newsboy - Background Checks

Criminal checks, M.D.

SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed legislation Monday requiring medical schools to perform criminal background checks on prospective students.
The law, which takes effect immediately, requires new medical school students to undergo fingerprinting and have the Illinois State Police check their past for violent felonies like murder.

During floor debate in November, state Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Matteson, the measure's sponsor, argued potentially violent medical students could easily come into contact with the public.

"When going to medical school, you are in contact with the public. As an intern, you are in the hospital," said Kelly, who noted the investigations will be nationwide.

Committing crimes doesn't bar people from becoming doctors, but the new law protects schools from lawsuits if the background check leads to a candidate being turned down.

Medical schools can charge students for the investigation. The proposal has the support of the University of Illinois and Southern Illinois University medical schools.

While checking healthcare worker's backgrounds for felonies is important, Medical Schools and healthcare employers may also want to consider conducting additional background checks as part of a comprehensive pre-employment screening program. A Healthcare Sanctions Report searches US Dept. of Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General's database for individuals and businesses excluded or sanctioned from participating in Medicare, Medicaid, or other Federally funded health care programs. This search is invaluable for healthcare industry candidates.

posted by Nicholas Gustavson @ 11:33 PM