TRENTON, NJ – How well do you know your healthcare professional? Some lawmakers in New Jersey think not well enough as they propose a new law to enforce background checks on healthcare professionals.
Why not? To coach a Little League baseball team, you need one. Why wouldn’t a pediatrician who is close and personal with thousands of children each month not need one?
The New Jersey Assembly has introduced Bill A1128, sponsored by Assemblyman John DiMaio (District 23) and Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis (District 21), with co-sponsorship from Assemblywoman Dunn. The bill mandates criminal history background checks for individuals seeking licensure in specific health care professions.
This bill amends Section 1 of P.L.2002, c.104 (C.45:1-28), expanding the requirement for background checks to include those applying for licenses from the State Board of Applied Behavior Analyst Examiners, the State Board of Creative Arts and Activities Therapies, and the State Board of Dietetics and Nutrition. These professionals will now need to undergo criminal history checks before receiving their initial licenses.
Under the bill, existing laws permit the Division of Consumer Affairs or the relevant licensing board to refuse or revoke a license based on criminal history information. This measure aims to ensure the integrity and safety of health care services in the state.