Criminal Checks Of Health Aides Proposed

Home health-care aides would be subject to criminal background checks under proposed new rules announced Wednesday by the Clinton administration.

The rules also would require more extensive monitoring of patient care by physicians and regular updates of patient conditions.

The proposed rules are expected to take effect by the end of the year.

“Home health aides care for our most frail and vulnerable citizens,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala.

“We must make sure that those whom we trust to care for our senior and disabled citizens are beyond reproach.”