Arrest Serves as a Reminder: Consider Running Candidates Through the Sex Offender Registry

A New Mexico physician assistant was arrested recently on charges he sexually abused a child repeatedly—years after being granted probation after being charged with enticement of a minor in Utah. He was denied a license in Utah for that reason in 2009, but was granted a PA license in New Mexico less than a year later. PAs are certified nationally, but licensed at the state level. JUCM published an original article on this very topic just months ago, noting that “failure to identify risks in a new hire’s background can result in ‘negligent hiring’ liability for an urgent care operator, but there are also limitations in what information a center can seek on an applicant.” The article advises consulting with an employment law attorney to ensure maximum protection of your patients and your business while staying in compliance with the laws of your state.