Background Checks for Volunteers?

For those of you who attended the recent WRAP Conference in Stevens Point, a question came up in the session that Jessica Radtke was speaking.  Her reply is here:

Question:  Are background checks required for Volunteers?

Answer:  Per the DHS Caregiver Manual, “…background checks are required for volunteers only if they are being used to:

• Replace a staff person; or,
• Document compliance with staff-to-patient or staff-to-client ratio requirements.”

This in no way precludes a facility from completing a background check on their volunteers.  Facilities are expected to follow their respective policies and procedures/corporate protocols.

The Caregiver Manual can be accessed at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p0/p00038.pdf

Jessica Radtke is the Regional Field Operations Director for the Northern Regional Office with the Bureau of Nursing Home Resident Care