In the complex world of health care, workers must comply with a sometimes exhausting list of federal and state mandates to keep their license or certification active and in good standing. While it is up to the medical professionals to take it upon themselves to obtain their required yearly continuing educational units, the burden of state compliance is on the hospital or health care providing agency which employs those workers. One important mandate which falls squarely on the shoulders of institutions and agencies which hire is making sure the worker has current certification in good standing with the licensing state authorities. Large institutions have dedicated degreed professionals who take care of the task of certification and licensure verification, but many smaller private employers are left wondering just how to check CNA certification.

Working in the medical field is one of the more coveted jobs in the United States. Generally the pay is good, benefits are widely available and there is a certain subtle prestige that comes with a working title in health care. There are many different skill set levels which currently fall under the label of CNA certification. Home health aides are at the very basic level, and moving up the educational ladder are certified nursing assistants and then finally patient care technicians. PCT’s differ from CNA’s in extended hours of in depth education and practical experience. Moreover, depending on the position itself and the skills required, job descriptions and hiring mandates may require proof of including verification of state approved training before hire. Depending on the state of practice and the requirements of the job itself, checking CNA certification can be simple, or a multi-step procedure.

• Private Hire Positions

Working one on one with a specific dedicated client is probably one of the most coveted and sought after jobs in the nursing profession. These type jobs often come with perks that include travel, health insurance, good pay and the ease of tending to one patient alone. The CNA is better able to provide detailed, individual intensive personal care in this type setting. They are privately employed and managed by those who require their services. All responsibility for recruiting, hiring and supervising falls upon the client or family. Consumers pay the health care worker directly – they privately manage payroll taxes, social security withholding and insurance deductions.

The family or person who hires a health care provider for this situation will want to verify all of the provider’s credentials, which includes a FBI background check. This includes contacting the prospective provider’s institution of higher learning to verify the educational experience, checking the specific state certification registry to make sure licensure is current and there is no history of discipline, and a moral turpitude FBI level one background check with fingerprints. Basic life support certification or CPR for health care providers while not mandated is usually preferred as well.

• Home Health Agencies

Probably the oldest and most recognizable provider of home care services is the home health agency.  The home health agency is licensed and usually Medicare certified and accepts other third party billing of health insurances, which promotes accessibility and affordability to the client. Home health agency services generally include a plethora of varied services including skilled nursing services, physical and occupational therapy modalities; social work, home health aides and certified nursing assistants working under the professional supervision of an LPN or RN. CNA’s tend focus more on the skilled medical aspects of basic personal care, while the home health aide supplements that care while helping with domestic home duties as well.

The agency who hires a CNA or home health care provider for this situation will want to verify all of the provider’s credentials, which includes a FBI background check. This includes contacting the prospective provider’s institution of higher learning to verify the educational experience listed, checking the specific state certification registry to make sure licensure is current and with no history of official discipline, and a moral turpitude FBI level one background check with fingerprints. In addition, because these types of agencies accept Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements, a check of the providers continuing educational units is required. Like private employers, it is imperative the CNA or HHA be honest and of good ethical and moral conviction. Basic life support certification or CPR for health care providers is usually required as well.

• Hospitals

For the certified nursing assistant, working in the acute care environment there holds as many challenges as there are rewards. Dealing with sudden life threatening situations is part of the everyday responsibility of the CNA. Often called Patient Care Technicians in the hospital environment, while the job remains the same – stronger skills and a broader knowledge base of patient assessment, infection control and interaction with diversified personalities are required. Many patient care technicians hold EMT certifications in addition to their CNA certification.

Hospitals who hire a CNA’s, PCT’s and EMT’s will verify the entire provider’s stated credentials, which always includes a FBI background check. This includes contacting the prospective provider’s institution of higher learning to verify the educational experience listed is valid and accurate; checking with the specific state certification registry to make sure licensure is current and with no history of official discipline and a moral turpitude FBI level one background check with fingerprints. In addition, because these institutions accept Medicare and Medicaid and many times VA reimbursements, a check of the providers continuing educational units is required. Like private employers, it is imperative the health care be honest and of good ethical and moral conviction. Basic life support certification or CPR for health care providers is always required, many times with advanced training and certification.

• Long Term Care Institutions

It takes a very special individual to work in the long term care setting. All the patients are usually very sick and it’s the responsibility of the CNA to do everything from deliver their meals, help them eat, make sure they are safe and help with their activities of daily living. There are very specific rules and responsibilities involved in working in this type of environment. Many patents are there just to receive hospice care during their last weeks of life.

The long term care facility hiring a CNA situation will verify all of the provider’s credentials, which includes an exhaustive FBI background check. This includes contacting the prospective provider’s institution of higher learning to authenticate the educational experience listed; checking the specific state certification registry to make sure licensure is current with no history of official discipline, and a moral turpitude FBI level one background check with fingerprints. In addition, because these types of institutions thrive on Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements, a check of the providers continuing educational units is mandatory. Basic life support certification or CPR for health care providers is always required.