LAKEPORT ? Background checks and fingerprinting will be required for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) caregivers as the Lake County Board of Supervisors moves forward with a state requirement as discussed Tuesday.
Supervisor Jeff Smith and others asked IHSS staff to bring the issue back to the board for approval at a December meeting.
“We”ve asked for this for years,” Smith said. “Now they”ve done almost exactly what we”ve asked of them.”
Ruth Valenzuela, representative for State Assemblyman Wes Chesbro, told the board about the antifraud legislation that allocates no money for the county and gives little direction on regulations such as which crimes would eliminate potential caregiver employment. The state regulations don”t allow for caregivers with post office boxes and won”t pay for new caregivers until they pass through the unclear restrictions. Ten such caregivers are waiting to be approved and paid.
Supervisor Rob Brown said he thinks Lake County should protect support service recipients and implement the screening program. He said he thinks the county should pay for the background check, as it pays for trucker physicals.
The board addressed a few other issues at its Tuesday meeting.
Board members unanimously approved an agreement with T-Mobile West during a public meeting with no members of the public attended.
Chairwoman Denise Rushing presented a proclamation to IHSS committee members proclaiming this week through Saturday as In-Home Supportive Services Caregiver Week in Lake County.
Contact Katy Sweeny at ksweeny@record-bee.com or call her directly at 263-5636, ext. 37.
