What happened?

On August 9, 2024, Governor J. B. Pritzker signed SB 3661, which amends the Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

What are the details?

Key Bites for Employers:

• Significant Impact on Employers, and particularly, affects those operating Comprehensive Community Mental Health Centers certified by the Department of Human Services.

• Expanded Definition of Health Care Employer: Now includes Comprehensive Community Mental Health Centers.
  • All employees, volunteers, interns, unpaid personnel, and agents are subject to background check requirements.

• Purpose of Expansion: Aims to provide greater oversight and screening for workers in the mental health sector.

• Implementation Rules: The Department of Public Health is authorized to adopt rules to implement the Act as it relates to these centers.

Business Considerations

• Employers should ensure that their hiring policies include comprehensive background checks for all employees, volunteers, interns, unpaid personnel, and agents.
• Employers should train staff about the new requirements and the importance of compliance.
• Employers should update handbooks, policy manuals, practices, and procedures to reflect the changes.
• Employers should conduct regular audits to ensure that all background checks are being performed as required and make the appropriate changes to ensure continuous compliance.

Source References

• IL SB 3661

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