---
title: "What Is Background check? Home Care Glossary | HomeCare.com"
description: "A background check is a review of a person's records before hiring. For caregivers it may include identity verification, criminal records, sex offender..."
url: https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/background-check/
publisher: HomeCare.com
phone: 800-974-3458
start: https://care.homecare.com/?source=homecare.com
---

Caregivers and credentials

# Background check

A background check is a review of a person's records before hiring. For caregivers it may include identity verification, criminal records, sex offender registries, driving records, and license checks. What it covers depends on the provider and state law. A check shows past records, not future behavior.

## Why it matters for your family

Families let caregivers into their homes, so screening matters. Ask what the check covers, how far back it goes, and how often it repeats. Criminal record checks may be local, state, or national, and they differ in depth. A common mistake is assuming all checks are the same. Another is relying on one check alone. Combine it with reference calls, an interview, and a trial period. HomeCare.com says every professional caregiver it refers must pass a thorough background check covering at least the past seven years, including criminal records and the national sex offender registry.

Source: [cms.gov](https://www.cms.gov/medicare/provider-enrollment-and-certification/surveycertificationgeninfo/policy-and-memos-to-states-and-regions-items/survey-and-cert-letter-13-24)

[Read more: HomeCare.com’s Credentialing Process](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/family-resources/our-credentialing-process/)

## Related terms

-   [**Healthcare Fraud and Abuse Control Information System (FACIS)**The Healthcare Fraud and Abuse Control Information System (FACIS) is a commercial database search that compiles federal and state lists of health care workers and companies that were excluded, sanctioned, or disciplined.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/healthcare-fraud-and-abuse-control-information-system/)
-   [**Caregiver registry**A caregiver registry is a service that lists caregivers and matches them with families.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/caregiver-registry/)
-   [**Home care agency**A home care agency is a company that employs or contracts caregivers and sends them to clients' homes.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/home-care-agency/)
-   [**Direct care worker**A direct care worker is a paid worker who gives hands-on help to people who need support with daily living.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/direct-care-worker/)
-   [**Bonded and insured caregiver**A bonded and insured caregiver works for a business that carries a bond and liability insurance.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/bonded-and-insured-caregiver/)
-   [**Private duty caregiver**A private duty caregiver is a non-medical caregiver paid directly by the family or through an agency to provide one-on-one help at home.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/private-duty-caregiver/)

[All glossary terms](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/)

## Talk to a care advisor today.

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[800-974-3458](tel:+18009743458)

[Call a care advisor](tel:+18009743458)[Find a caregiver online](https://care.homecare.com/?source=homecare.com)

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