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New Jersey lawmakers are considering a bill that would require certain healthcare professionals to undergo background checks. The proposed legislation, Bill A1128, expands the requirement for background checks to include those applying for licenses from the State Board of Applied Behavior Analyst Examiners, the State Board of Creative Arts and Activities Therapies, and the State Board of Dietetics and Nutrition.
The bill, sponsored by Assemblyman John DiMaio and Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis, aims to ensure the integrity and safety of health care services in the state. Under the proposed law, the Division of Consumer Affairs or the relevant licensing board could refuse or revoke a license based on criminal history information.
Currently, New Jersey requires all new nurse aide candidates, new personal care assistant candidates, and nurse aides applying for recertification or reciprocity, and homemaker/home health aides to undergo a Criminal Background Investigation by the New Jersey State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.