Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Electronic machines to help fingerprinting

CARSON CITY -- The state intends to buy 21 electronic fingerprinting machines and then start a program for background checks of more people who work in long-term centers for the elderly and disabled.

Thousands of employees of nursing homes and other facilities already are required to undergo fingerprinting and background examinations to help insure against abuse of patients.

That testing is to be expanded under a state Bureau of Licensure and Certification pilot program that is being funded with a $1.8 million, three-year federal grant, the bureau's chief, Pam Graham, said. The plan is to require background checks of those who tend patients in hospital swing beds, the section of a hospital where less intensive care is provided.

Alex Haartz, administrator of the state Health Division, said this pilot program "will assist in ensuring the safety of Nevadans living in long-term care facilities."

There is also a bill being proposed in the Legislature to require personal care assistants to undergo background checks.

The new machines would be used for those background checks as well.

Currently the only place for employees of nursing homes in Nevada can get their background checks conducted are the sheriff's offices in the counties. Once the new machines are available, the sheriff's offices will still be an acceptable option.

The new electronic fingerprinting machines are more accurate, however, and the pilot program is intended to ease the load off the counties, Graham said. The new machines also can generate the results of the fingerprint check faster. There's a three- to four-month wait using the current system, she said.

With the new system, the fingerprint check immediately forwarded to the records and identification bureau in the state Department of Public Safety for processing.

Gov. Kenny Guinn said he was proud of the agency getting one of only seven federal grants for this purpose. "Our loved ones who live in long-term care facilities deserve the best care and a safe living environment," Guinn said.

Graham said the timetable for use of the new fingerprint has not yet been set. A statewide coordinator has yet to be hired and a committee involving the pertinent parties needs to set the guidelines for the program.

There also is no determination yet as to where the 21 machines will be located. And the fee has not been set for the fingerprinting service or the subsequent investigation relying on the new system. Graham said the nursing homes now usually split the cost with each employee, and the bill can range from $35 to $70 for one background check.

Acceptance of the federal grant is expected to be approved by the Legislative Interim Finance Committee at its February meeting.

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