Industry News

LA Metro officials say tighter hiring standards for bus operators could be in place as soon as May. Two recent incidents where Metrobus drivers were involved in crimes sparked a thorough review and proposal to amend existing loopholes. One of the drivers had an extensive record of violent felony offenses, including one in which a man was killed. The driver had a record of armed robberies and other crimes dating back to the 1990s, was hired as a Metrobus driver two months after getting out of prison, where he spent nearly 11 years.

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North Charleston taxi inspector Ed Ott has taken on the mission of identifying taxi drivers with criminal records and getting the worst offenders off the road. This is part of a larger initiative to protect residents from unqualified and dangerous drivers, a growing problem in recent years. “They’re not out there to drive cabs,” Ott said of renegade and alcohol-abusing drivers. “They’re out there to do other things.”

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In the wake of a $9,000 credit fraud crime committed by home health-care worker Laurie Ann Langyel in the name of her 89 year old client, Connecticut State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal wants lawmakers to pass legislation requiring home health care agencies to conduct criminal background checks on their aides. His proposal would prohibit agencies from hiring anyone convicted of a felony in the past 10 years. During her arraignment hearing it ws revealed Langyel had prior convictions on her record for fourth-degree larceny.

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Boise Attorney Robert Aldridge is pushing for background checks of all prospective guardians to protect children from unnecessary domestic dangers. He cites the growing number of children who are being adopted by their grandparents after their parents fall into illicit drug use. Aldridge’s proposal would require guardians to be screened for felonies and drug-related activity.

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The federally mandated Internet-based system, Nationwide Mortgage Licensing, which allows mortgage companies and loan originators to apply for and manage their licenses electronically, and gone online and into full effect. Loan originators are also required to pass a criminal background check and meet stricter professional licensing procedures.

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Top Los Angeles County health officials tried Tuesday to explain how an ex-cop convicted of rape under the color of authority was twice hired to work in public hospitals.

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Indiana legislators consider requiring national criminal checks and other measures in order to fix gaps in their system of screening teachers. Prompted in part by an Indianapolis Star investigation, four bills stand before Indiana’s General Assembly in an effort to help ensure children are safe at school. Currently, more than 40 states require a nationwide background check while Indiana requires only a limited state background check.

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Wisconsin State privacy law prevents public disclosure on the backgrounds of healthcare providers. The Department of Regulation and Licensing has no authority to background check licensed healthcare providers. As the state drops the ball, The Medical Examining Board tries unsuccessfully to authorize federal criminal background checks on all applicants for a new license. The responsibility will fall to doctors, private employers and healthcare companies to conduct background check through private background companies.

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2009 calls for tougher standards in the Mortgage Industry as U.S. States begin mandating background checks for new and renewing licensed mortgage brokers. Arizona, Indiana and Ohio lead the way as the task of raising the bar for brokers in the aftermath of the mortgage crisis begins.

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State of California embarrassed as investigation finds approximately 300,000 state healthcare workers have not been screened for background checks. Cases sited as advocacy groups call for immediate action from the state, local and governing agencies.

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