Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Health Care Worker Registry
- Affected EmployersThe Act applies to all health care employers, and includes:
- Hospitals
- Long-term care, assisted living, community living, and life care facility facilities
- Home health, home services, nurse, and home nursing agencies
- Hospice care and supportive living programs
- Respite care providers
- Freestanding emergency centers
- Community integrated living arrangements operated by a community mental health and developmental service organization
- Covered Employees and ApplicantsA covered employer must conduct a criminal background check for all individuals employed or retained who are involved in direct patient care. These are defined as those providing nursing or personal care assisting with meals, dressing, movement, bathing, or other personal needs. This also includes individuals who exercise general supervision and oversight over the physical and mental well-being of an individual who is incapable of maintaining a private, independent residence or who is incapable of managing his or her person regardless of whether a guardian has been appointed.
- This broad definition covers a wide range of positions, and includes
- Home health care, nurse, and private duty nurse aides
- Personal care assistants
- Day training personnel
- Student nurses
- Respite care providers
- Similar health-related occupations
- The Act does not apply to registered nurses, physicians, or therapists who are licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
- As long as the employee has had a fingerprint-based criminal history record check requested by the IDPH and stays active on the Health Care Worker Registry, no further criminal history record checks shall be deemed necessary; the Illinois State Police will notify the IDPH of any additional convictions associated with any previously fingerprinted health care worker.