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California inconsistent with healthcare licensee background checks

Credentialing & Verification Update, December 30, 2008

Tens of thousands of California healthcare workers, including physicians, dentists, physiologists, and technicians are practicing without having submitted to a background investigation, The Los Angeles Times reports. The investigation follows a report the newspaper published this fall showing that nearly 200,000 registered and vocational nurses practice without ever undergoing a background check.

California regulators conduct background screenings—including fingerprinting—before issuing licensure to many healthcare professionals. The Times report, however, finds that the state does so inconsistently, stating: “Those who have not been fingerprinted include almost three-quarters of psychiatric technicians; nearly half of family therapists, social workers and dentists; and 12% of physicians”.

The reports voice concerns that the state’s lack of background investigations exposes patients to healthcare workers with histories of violence, addiction, predatory behavior or corruption.

Indeed, the article serves as a critical reminder that holding a license to practice is not the same as being fit to practice. Verification of practitioner backgrounds at the organizational level is the only way your facility can be positive about every physician or professional you allow to practice within your walls.

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