Background Screening Compliance
JUL 16, 2019 by JESSICA MARTIN
Employers who conduct background and drug screening greatly reduce the risk of employee theft, fraud and embezzlement. However, it is critical that you follow compliance guidelines, and proceed in a fair, objective manner when making employment decisions based on the results. In recent years, employment background screening has been increasingly scrutinized, so mitigating your risk while following labor guidelines can be a challenge.
We’ve partnered with our consumer reporting agency, National Crime Search, to list a few top tips to help you remain compliant. This is not an exhaustive list, but a good start. You can view more information on the NCS website.
Communicate with your HR Department and Legal Counsel
Retaining an open line of communication between your HR department and legal counsel will help keep you up to date with changes to federal, state and local laws that may affect your screening process.
This will also aid in ensuring that your current procedures, forms and documentation are current.
Keep Applicants’ Personally Identifiable Information Secure
The security of PII is of the utmost importance. Ensure that your Team is up to date on cyber threats, as well as basic security practices. A few tips to keep in mind when working with sensitive information.
Don’t:
- save passwords on the computer
- click on suspect links, emails or attachments
- leave documents strewn about on desktops
- conduct sensitive conversations over the phone within earshot of bystanders
Exercising a little awareness will go a long way.
Share the Results with your Applicant
By sharing the results of the report(s) you’ve ordered, you are providing full transparency and it removes any potential negative speculation that could arise. This will also open the conversation if something has been negatively reflected on the report(s).
As above mentioned, this list is not exhaustive, but sets you off with a good start. As you can see on Backgroundchecks.com, there are frequent updates and amendments at the federal, state and local levels. By working with an accredited background and drug screening firm, you ensure that the process is fair and in alignment with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
If you have questions regarding compliance or the background or drug screening process, please reach out to our office. We are happy to address your questions.
