The increased demand for in-home care and services has ushered in additional home health care models that have presented new challenges related to staff screening. A recent white paper, “Shift Change: Traditional & Emerging Home Healthcare Models and the Importance of Screening/Credentialing of Staff,” from our Professional Liability provider, Skyward Specialty Insurance, looks at two models – self-directed care and technology-based platforms – and the challenges and potential risks associated with these models.
Self-Directed Care Model
Under the self-directed care model, patients choose whom they want to provide their care, typically a family member or a close friend, and the state pays the selected caregiver. The states where these programs operate often ask existing, traditional home health care agencies to take on self-directed care patients and manage the payroll and administration of patient care. Although the patient knows the caregiver, it doesn’t negate conducting proper staff screening.
Technology-Based Platforms Model
Increasingly more home health care agencies are now using technology platforms to schedule services anytime and from various providers, including caregivers, CNAs, LPNs, and RNs. While these models provide convenience, some platforms focus more on the use of the technology and accessibility than on the patient’s safety and the needed level of care. In addition, the criteria for providers to use platforms for referrals or patient matches vary greatly depending on the technology platform.
Background Checks: Making Informed Hiring Decisions
As with the traditional home health care model, applicant screenings are critical with these two new models in making informed hiring decisions and ensuring quality patient care and overall business management. This includes performing various detailed background checks (via national, state, and county criminal records, national/state sex offender registry, employment verification, motor vehicle records, and others) and having the right basic information (such as the proper name and a current address) about the candidate to capture correct data. Without accurate and current information, there is a risk of making a serious hiring mistake that jeopardizes patient safety.
The white paper demonstrates the consequences of hiring the wrong person. Caregivers with prior convictions or licensing issues are considered greater risks for committing multiple patient- and/or property-related offenses, resulting in dissatisfied clients, financial costs, and potential lawsuits. The white paper also includes several lawsuit scenarios that can occur when consistent and thorough screening practices are not in place.
About Manchester Specialty Programs
We specialize in providing agents and brokers with totally integrated business insurance solutions, including Professional Liability coverage, to meet the needs of Home Care, Allied Health, Medical Staffing, and Human/Social Services organizations. For more information about how our products and services can help protect your insureds, please contact us at 855.972.9399.