Criminal Background Checks

While most healthcare employers conduct background checks on new hires, it can also be a component that can increase the time to fill for talent acquisition. While human resources departments have traditionally been viewed as cost centers, focusing on improving metrics such as time to fill that can demonstrate improved return on investment can change this perception. Since shorter background check turnaround times can contribute to improved results and cost reduction, we compiled this list of ways you can approach this critical component of the hiring process.

Background screening has become increasingly important in today’s competitive, complex and security-minded labor marketplace. Not only must organizations navigate an ever-evolving patchwork of federal and state regulations, they must cope with an emerging “gig economy” characterized by growing numbers of short-term contract and freelance employees.

The healthcare industry is one of the most complex and highly regulated, which means employers have a greater responsibility to ensure a safe workplace environment not just for their own staff, but also for patients. The past decade has seen advancements in technology and best practices for the industry, with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) placing greater emphasis on quality of care and patient safety. Industry regulators have provided updated guidance and newer technologies have allowed leading organizations and systems to improve the efficiency of their screening efforts.

Selecting a background screening company for healthcare has increased significance when compared to other industries because it can have a big impact on patient safety. With the healthcare industry’s rising challenge of consumerism, an effective background screening process is critical for delivering the best patient care.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with our partner 1st Healthcare Compliance about the work we do at PreCheck. In my interview, I discuss PreCheck’s background and how our company has evolved over time to meet the healthcare industry’s needs. Additionally, I examine key recommendations for an effective, compliant healthcare background screening program.

The following represent the key takeaways from my interview:

While most healthcare employers conduct some form of employment background checks to safeguard their patients and staff, these screenings should not be limited to the ones conducted at the time of hire. Indeed, background screening experts have identified the emergence of a new trend referred to as infinity screening. “Infinity screening is the process of conducting background checks on current employees on a periodic or ongoing basis to stay informed about life changes which could create increased risk for your organization,” W.

Moving through 2017, employers and human resources leaders can continue to expect changes to their background screening process and policies.  The new year is always an ideal time to take stock of emerging best practices and any newly passed regulations that may impact  an employer’s hiring and screening practices.

While some of these topics may not be new, PreCheck’s Vice President of Compliance Vu T. Do recommends that employers and HR leaders closely consider the following three tips:

This week, we announced the results to the inaugural PreCheck Pulse Healthcare Employment Screening Trends Survey. The survey highlights how healthcare organizations handle background checks and other staff screening practices. The nationwide survey conducted online from September to December 2015, garnered responses from over 800 healthcare professionals and the results are now available as a downloadable report.

On Wednesday, August 31, 2016, PreCheck hosted a complimentary webinar covering background check compliance essentials for employers. PreCheck’s Vice President of Compliance Vu Do and Corporate Counsel Kate Vessey discussed the latest background check best practices for employers in an informative 60-minute learning session.

Earlier this month, a nationwide investigation by a Georgia newspaper uncovered a serious problem that the healthcare industry is facing with disciplining doctors. Doctors are a unique case when it comes to enforcement. The nation has a shortage of physicians and they are too valuable to our country for medical boards and agencies to simply discard their license when there are offenses. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s (AJC) investigation, however, reveals that sexual misconduct among doctors in our nation is more pervasive than we thought.