New York state Lawmakers are now turning their attention towards  closing the legal loopholes that have allowed negligent hiring practices in nursing homes. Since 2007, the state Attorney General’s Office has charged more than 50 nursing home workers, including five in the Rochester area, for kicking, neglecting, tying up, stealing from or sexually abusing residents. Some accused workers in Rochester homes found jobs at other area facilities shortly after their former employers reported abuse to the state. Among them, a certified nurse’s aide accused of kicking an 87-year-old resident, and another convicted of stealing patients’ Social Security numbers.

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Controversy has arisen around the city worker in Wilmington, NC involved in a police chase last month after the revelation he has a lengthy criminal record.  City officials currently run criminal checks on potential employees based on the job title only.  They often hire people with prior records to help them earn legitimate money and stay away from crime. The city does criminal background checks on employees who will be working with children or in sensitive positions where money is involved, but this policy might now be reviewed and made more strict in light of the recent events.

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A state-wide review of mortgage loan broker license holders has revealed a number of convicted criminals as recipients, drugs dealers and gang members among them. The profession operates with minimal state oversight. The licenses give the ex-cons easy access to a client’s personal financial information, including bank account and Social Security numbers. More importantly, the licenses open the door to the mortgage market, which was awash in billions of dollars until it crashed, sparking the national economic crisis. Given the sensitive nature of the economy and a growing number of identity theft scandals, lawmakers are working to amend these licensure requirements.

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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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