HEALTH AND WELFARE – Amends, repeals, and adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding background checks conducted by the Department of Health and Welfare.

This Idaho bill (H 494) establishes a new standardized system for background checks conducted by the Department of Health and Welfare. It requires fingerprint-based checks for specific groups working with vulnerable populations - including childcare workers, home health aides, mental health providers, foster care staff, and others with direct access to children or elderly individuals - to verify criminal history and disqualifying records. The bill defines key terms, sets confidentiality rules for check results, authorizes fees for applicants, and repeals outdated provisions. It directly affects applicants in over 25 specific categories of care and service roles under Idaho's health and welfare programs.