Contact State Rep. Jeannie McDaniel
Capitol: (405) 557-7334

James Joslin, Health Resources Development Service
Office: (405) 271-9444, ext. 57209

OKLAHOMA CITY (February 8, 2012) – Legislation that would increase the safety of vulnerable Oklahomans was approved unanimously by the House Long Term Care and Senior Services Committee.

House Bill 2582, by state Rep. Jeannie McDaniel, authorizes the implementation of a fingerprint-based National Background Check for certain classes of long-term care providers. The program will be supported by a grant from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of up to $2.75 million to cover 75 percent of costs in the first three years of the program.

“It sets up a fingerprint system that would be operated out of the Health Department for all the people who work with our frail and elderly citizens,” said McDaniel (D-Tulsa). “It can store tens of thousands of fingerprints and will enhance the ability of nursing homes, assisted living centers and state agencies to look into the background of potential hires and ensure no one with a criminal background is put in a position to victimize elderly Oklahomans.”

James Joslin, Chief of Health Resources Development Service at the State Health Department, thanked the program’s partners. “It has been through the significant assistance of our partners in the long term care industry and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, that we are at this point. Together we believe we have developed a cost effective proposal that capitalizes on developing technologies to protect Oklahoma’s vulnerable citizens.”

House Bill 2582 now proceeds to the House floor for consideration.

NOTE: For accompanying video, see http://www.okhouse.tv/iViewVideo.aspx?VideoID=407