Imagine entrusting the care of your loved ones to someone who has a hidden past, only to discover too late that their intentions are anything but genuine. This is not just a hypothetical scenario for me; it became a harsh reality. We hired a home care agency to look after my dad, hoping for the best support possible. Instead, we discovered a particular caregiver had been previously incarcerated for meth use, and over the course of six years, she defrauded my father of at least $100,000. The only reason I learned of her criminal past was because she admitted it herself three years after starting her role. To make matters worse, I couldn’t even have her dismissed!

This distressing experience didn’t end there. Another agency we employed had a caregiver that stole my mom's narcotics, breaking the trust we placed in them. These incidents are not isolated, and I urge you to join me in advocating for the safety and security of our vulnerable family members.

Caregivers are permitted entry into our homes, tasked with the responsibility of looking after those we love the most, often with little oversight. Current regulations don’t require mandatory fingerprinting and background checks for certified caregivers across most states, leaving countless families at risk.  Whether home care, nursing home, disabled. Different venues, same caregivers. This significant oversight can lead to disastrous consequences.

By instituting a federal mandate for fingerprinting and background checks, we can prevent future families from enduring similar ordeals. It's time we took concrete actions to support the integrity of the caregiving industry and protect those who depend on it. Besides reducing fraudulent activities, such measures can ensure that only dedicated and verified professionals can perform these vital roles.

Given the grave importance of this issue, I call on policymakers to introduce and enforce laws that require every certified caregiver across the United States to undergo rigorous background checks and fingerprinting.

Your support can make a real difference in establishing these necessary safeguards. Let’s create a future where families can trust the caregivers they welcome into their homes and other long term care, ensuring safety, security, and peace of mind. Please sign this petition and help us make this essential change a reality.