To amend the National Child Protection Act of 1993 to ensure that businesses and organizations that work with vulnerable populations are able to request background checks for their contractors who work with those populations, as well as for individuals that the businesses or organizations license or certify to provide care for those populations.
This bill amends the National Child Protection Act of 1993 to expand who must be subject to background checks when organizations work with vulnerable populations. Specifically, it allows businesses and organizations that serve vulnerable populations to request background checks for: (a) their contractors who work with those populations, and (b) individuals whom the businesses or organizations license or certify to provide care. The amendment broadens the categories of “Covered Individuals” to include contractors and licensees who are connected to entities under contract with a “qualified entity,” as well as individuals who seek such employment, volunteering roles, or licensure. In short, it closes gaps by ensuring more people who interact with vulnerable populations—especially contractors and licensed/certified care providers—can be screened.
Key Points
- 1Expands the definition of “Covered Individual” to include contractors and volunteers who work for or with entities that are under contract with a qualified entity.
- 2Adds that individuals who seek employment or volunteering with an entity under contract with a qualified entity are also covered.
- 3Includes individuals who are licensed or certified, or seeking licensure/certification, by a qualified entity.
- 4Enables businesses and organizations that work with vulnerable populations to request background checks for their contractors and for those they license or certify to provide care.
- 5Maintains the framework of the National Child Protection Act while broadening the pool of people eligible for background checks to improve safeguarding of vulnerable populations.