THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 16, 1997 TAG: 9702140010
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 30 lines
In reference to the Feb. 1 article, ``Delegate believes current policy hurts companies and workers alike'': It is refreshing to hear that this issue is finally being discussed in a public format. Ever since I started in the health-care industry, I have been blown away by the state guidelines for employee references. I can call any health-care facility to inquire about a previous employee and all I get is dates of employment and title. They do not mention that, at the last case this person worked, $75 mysteriously disappeared, or the elderly gentleman the individual was caring for was found with bruises on his legs and arms.
I feel that, in this industry, the gag order must be removed by those giving out the references. I hate having to hold back information from someone calling for a reference. I would love to tell them that this is the best certified nursing assistant around and she would be an asset to your team, or that this LPN caused much turmoil in a patient's family by her unreliability, but I cannot.
My parents are 70 years old and I know that one day they may require someone, a complete stranger, to enter their home and care for them. I want to know who this person is. In an industry where honesty and reliability are paramount, a better tool to screen these individuals must be implemented now.
ANNE G. GOODMAN
Virginia Beach, Feb. 6, 1997