Conducting Criminal Record Checks in Tennessee
Home health services and child welfare agencies may require any person applying for employment, either as a paid employee or volunteer, to agree to the release of investigative records for the purpose of verifying the accuracy of criminal violation information contained on their work application. Applicants may also be required to supply fingerprint samples, or submit to a criminal history record check.
Tennessee requires that all employees who have direct contact with, or direct responsibility for individuals with developmental disabilities, supply a fingerprint sample for purposes of a criminal background check to determine if prior criminal convictions exist. The cost of the background check will be paid for by the employer.
Adult day care center personnel are subject to criminal background checks.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is responsible for conducting criminal history checks for licensing security guards.
Employees of home health and hospice services are required to undergo a criminal records check.
Effective January 1, 2004, any person who is employed in a nursing home facility providing direct care to patients is required to undergo a criminal background check, prior to or within seven days of employment.
Employees of group day care homes are required to undergo a criminal history check and submit a set of fingerprints as a condition of employment.
Employees of child care centers serving preschool children are required to undergo a criminal history check.
Background checks are required for all employees of family daycare homes.
Employers are permitted to initiate a criminal background check on any person applying for employment or presently employed as a licensed emergency medical technician (EMT).
Effective July 1, 2003, Tennessee adopted the National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact.
