NY could require senior care background checks

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - A new proposal would require criminal background checks to keep sex offenders from landing jobs at senior care facilities.

The bill by Assemblyman James Tedisco and Sen. Kathy Marchione would require senior facilities to consult the state's sex offender registry for all employees.

Current law doesn't require the background check, which can be done at no charge to the facilities.

The Republicans' proposal comes after a recent sex crime at an Albany County home for adults.

A convicted sex offender working at the facility is accused of improperly touching a 91-year-old woman.

The bill by Tedisco of Schenectady County and Marchione of Saratoga County could be considered in the new legislative session beginning this month.