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The state of Pennsylvania has launched a new program to better screen applicants seeking to work in the elder care industry. 

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging has introduced a web-based platform called C-Screen that directly screens, verifies, and rates the hiring practices of in-home care provider agencies that contract with Pennsylvania’s aging network.  

The effort is expected to increase transparency and accountability to better protect older adults. 

Currently, Pennsylvania’s 52 Area Agencies on Aging are in the process of piloting the new tool.  

The local aging agencies will also have the option to publicly share provider ratings on C-Screen to build trust in in-home care services, empower families and their loved ones to make informed decisions.  

“Older adults deserve to be able to make informed decisions when seeking in-home services. Individuals who provide this level of care often see an older adult during personal or vulnerable tasks such as bathing, dressing and getting out of bed. These interactions require trust, safety and dignity from the care provider,” said Secretary Jason Kavulich. “We’re proud to partner with C-Screen to further strengthen transparency and accountability of in-home care providers while ensuring older adults in all 67 counties in the Commonwealth are protected by the same high-quality standards they expect and need.”  

C-Screen will allow the Area Agencies on Aging to request, review and track screening data and support decisions related to provider contacting and monitoring. 

There are currently 16 local aging agencies using C-Screen including Lehigh County‘s, which now requires a verified C-Screen rating for all new provider contacts.  

“C-Screen represents an important step forward in protecting Pennsylvania’s older adults. By bringing transparency to provider screening practices, we’re giving families and consumers greater confidence when choosing who delivers care in their homes. This tool not only strengthens accountability among our service providers but also reinforces our shared commitment to safety, trust, and quality care for older adults in our community,” said JR Reed, executive director of the Lehigh County Office of Aging and Adult Services.