Question One
A) Should hospitals and healthcare facilities make a concerted effort to employ ex-prisoners? Why? What might be some of the constraints? Has anyone been successful at such a hiring practice?
Hospitals and healthcare facilities should make a concentrated effort to employ ex-prisoners to improve the health of communities, give convicted American citizens a second chance, and fill the growing number of jobs in the healthcare industry. In the United States, estimates show that nearly thirty percent of adults have a criminal history, and this number only continues to increase. Within the African American community, these statistics are even more staggering as nearly fifty percent of African American males are arrested by the age of twenty- three. Unfortunately, many American citizens with records and convicted felons have difficulty finding jobs and opportunities in a world where their past is scrutinized in background checks and criticized in society. For example, in the United States, most job applications require citizens to respond to a felony conviction question. This simple question is often a barrier to employment as some companies have a bias against those with criminal records. Until recently, this was the bleak reality for many ex-felons seeking employment. However, the growing number of healthcare jobs and the need for more workers is changing this unfortunate precedent. In 2017 Illinois became one of the first states to allow people with felony convictions to pursue healthcare licenses. This law permitted Illinois to fill essential job vacancies in their health industry while giving some American citizens another chance.
Although promising, the integration of ex-offenders into the healthcare system comes with some reservations and constraints. The healthcare system cares for the most vulnerable in our society, including the sick and elderly as a result, many states wary of ex-criminals have passed legislation in opposition. Colorado passed a law requiring a licensing board to disqualify ex-offenders with a history of drugs and unlawful sexual behavior. Despite some political and social difficulties, some healthcare systems have successfully hired ex-offenders. For instance, the John Hopkins healthcare system willing hires ex-offenders and does not run background checks until after a conditional offer of employment is made. This encourages more ex-offenders to apply to the John Hopkins healthcare system and allows the system to staff their hospitals. Overall this practice enables the hospital to fill permanent healthcare jobs and gives thousands of American citizens a second chance. In conclusion, hospitals and healthcare systems should make a concentrated effort to employ ex-prisoners for both the success of the healthcare system and Americans seeking a new life after incarceration.
