(a)
All initial certified nurse assistant and certified home health aide applicants, shall as a requirement for certification, undergo a criminal background check pursuant to Section 1338.5 of the Health and Safety Code.
(b)
Nurse assistants certified prior to July 1, 1998, shall, as a condition of renewal of their certificates, undergo a criminal background check pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 1337.6 and Section 1338.5 of the Health and Safety Code. Commencing July 1, 1998, pursuant to Section 1338.5 of the Health and Safety Code, nurse assistant applicants whose applications were submitted on or after July 1, 1998, shall undergo a criminal background check.