ARTICLE
New York Company Violated Criminal Background Check Law

Attorney General Eliot Spitzer has recently announced the settlement of a lawsuit against V.I.P. Companion Care (VIP) that failed to conduct mandatory criminal background checks its employees who provided companion care.

VIP's companion care services include "live-in companions" and adult sitters, respite care for caregivers, transportation, medical reminders, meal preparation, and light housekeeping.

In the two year investigation by the Attorney General's Syracuse Regional Office, VIP was found in violation of a 1991 Onondaga County law that requires all providers of companion care services to obtain background checks and criminal history screenings for all employees who provide companion care. The law also requires that employees to be fingerprinted by the Sheriff's Department.

The investigation uncovered that no such checks were being performed by the company. Moreover, in at least two cases, VIP had hired workers with criminal records. One a convicted felon, that since has been arrested for stealing the credit card of an elderly woman placed in her care and also jewelry from another client.

"Seniors are among our most vulnerable citizens and it is imperative that they are treated honestly and cared for with respect and dignity," said Attorney General Spitzer. "This agreement ensures that this company will now follow the law aimed at protecting seniors from criminal activity that may endanger their health, safety and finances."

Under the terms of the settlement, VIP is to immediately perform criminal background checks on all its employees and to make payment of nearly $18,000 in restitution, fines and penalties.

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(source:http://www.oag.state.ny.us)