Does my EEOICPA Home Care Provider Require Background Checks for Aides?

Background Checks for Home Health Aides Can Help Protect EEOICPA Clients

Home health aides are one of the most crucial components of home healthcare. Clients allow these caregivers into their homes, which means placing your trust, your safety, and your health in the hands of a stranger. Because much of home healthcare happens with limited supervision, having the right caregiver in your home is essential for client safety and peace of mind. 

That’s why, at Trusted Ally Home Care, comprehensive background checks are a standard and required part of our hiring process for every Home Health Aide (HHA) and Family Home Health Aide (FHHA).

Our clients trust their caregivers, and those caregivers often become part of the family. That's why we have to make sure the people entering their homes prioritize their safety just as much as we do. — Kim B., Talent Acquisition Strategist

We sat down with our Talent Acquisition Strategist to walk through exactly what background checks Trusted Ally requires, the importance of ensuring all caregivers have passed these checks, and what this layer of safety means for our clients and their loved ones.  Plus, we included a list of important questions to ask EEOICPA home healthcare agencies and care teams as you search for the right in-home provider for yourself or another DOL White Card holder. 

What Background Checks Does Trusted Ally Require for Home Health Aides? 

Each of these checks must be passed before receiving approval to work with our clients. 

1.    County Criminal Records Search

2.    National Criminal Database Search

3.    National Department of Justice Sex Offender Registry Search

4.    Social Security Number Address Trace

5.    FACIS Screening

6.    Professional References Verification

7.    DMV Record Check

8.    Abuse Registry (CO state requirement)

Notes: In Colorado, caregivers must complete an Adult Abuse Registry screening, as required by state regulations. Additionally, because many caregivers help transport clients to doctor's appointments, grocery stores, pharmacies, and community activities, Trusted Ally also verifies that aides have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Background checks help Trusted Ally prioritize safety in home healthcare 

Requiring this level of screening allows our agency to flag any negative behaviors or past conduct and helps ensure we're hiring individuals who meet the high standards our clients deserve.

Knowing we've done our due diligence means families can have peace of mind knowing their loved one is being cared for by someone who has been thoroughly screened. — Kim B., Talent Acquisition Strategist

Every HHA and FHHA must pass a consistent, multi-layer screening process before ever meeting with a client. This allows Trusted Ally clients and families to feel confident that they’re being cared for by someone who has been thoroughly vetted and trusted to live out our Core Values.

→ At Trusted Ally Home Care, our mission has always been to care for former nuclear workers and their families with compassion, respect, and integrity. That commitment starts with the people we hire.

Why background checks for EEOICPA aides matter

Background checks are one of the most important ways an agency can help protect their clients. 

Often, former nuclear weapons workers receiving home healthcare through the EEOICPA program are:

• Managing serious work-related illnesses

• Living alone

• Part of a vulnerable age group

• Reliant on out-of-town family and friends

Some of our clients don't have family nearby, or any family at all. That makes them even more vulnerable which is why protecting them has to come first. — Kim B., Talent Acquisition Strategist

When someone is providing care inside a client's home, they're often helping during vulnerable moments with minimal to no supervision. They may be preparing medications and meals, assisting with bathing and mobility, providing transportation and support for illnesses, or spending hours each week with someone who depends on them. That level of access requires tremendous trust.

Without proper screening and due diligence measures in place, it can leave clients susceptible to neglect, theft, financial exploitation, physical and emotional harm, or other detrimental circumstances.

→ At Trusted Ally, we maintain high standards when it comes to hiring safe, trustworthy caregivers and ensuring the people entering our clients' homes have demonstrated they can be trusted with that level of responsibility.

Why families should ask about background checks

If you're comparing home healthcare providers through the EEOICPA program, don't be afraid to ask questions. In fact, we encourage it. 

Being knowledgeable of an agency’s vetting process for caregivers can provide clarity, confidence, and peace of mind for family members. It can be helpful for loved ones who may not live close by or just want reassurance that their parent or spouse is being cared for by a professional who has gone through extensive screening.

If you're a family member meeting your loved one's care team for the first time, you may not know what questions to ask. With Trusted Ally, knowing those background checks have already been completed gives families real peace of mind. — Kim B., Talent Acquisition Strategist

Unsure of what questions to ask? Here are a few good prompts to start with:

• What list of background checks are caregivers required to pass?

• Does the agency’s background check process apply to all caregivers, home health aides and family home health aides?

• What happens if a background check uncovers an area of concern? What will the agency allow to pass?

• How does the agency determine if someone is eligible for hire?

• Are driving records reviewed for aides that transport clients?

The bottom line on background checks

Rigorous Home Health Aide and Family Home Health Aide background checks are a foundational part of protecting client’s safety and dignity and giving families real peace of mind. 

If you're evaluating home healthcare options through the EEOICPA program for yourself or another DOL White Card holder in your life, don't hesitate to ask an agency exactly what their screening process for caregivers looks like. 

→ At Trusted Ally, we're happy to tell you, because we know the importance of client safety. We make sure each HHA and FHHA completes the same comprehensive background checks, and when in doubt, we will err on the side of caution. 

Does EEOICPA actually pay claims?

Yes, and as of March 2026, over $27 billion has been paid in total settlements and medical bills paid. 

Official source

U.S. Department of Labor (OWCP) — EEOICPA Program Statistics

Do You Qualify?

Up to $400,000

Free unlimited home healthcare

We can help guide you

If you or a loved one worked in the nuclear or uranium industries and became sick, you may be entitled to compensation of up to $400,000 plus free medical care in the comfort of your own home.

Your pathway to care starts with Trusted Ally Home Care. Get started today and let us guide you through the process of receiving the care you or a loved one deserves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are background checks required for EEOICPA home care aides?

A: It depends on the type of provider. Home health agencies contracted directly with the Department of Labor (DOL) to provide EEOICPA services are required to conduct background checks on their aides as part of DOL safety standards.

Q: What if I hire a private or independent caregiver?

A: If you hire someone privately — such as a family member or friend — the DOL may not enforce background check requirements. However, state laws may still apply, so it's important to check your state's specific regulations for paid in-home caregivers.

Q: Does state law affect background check requirements?

A: Yes. Even when federal DOL requirements don't apply, individual states may mandate background checks for anyone providing paid home care services. Always verify both state and federal requirements.

Q: Is it a good idea to request a background check even if it's not required?

A: Absolutely. Even when not strictly mandated, conducting a background check is considered best practice to help ensure the safety and well-being of the beneficiary receiving care.