You may be thinking to yourself, “I want to run a background check.” But what does that mean and how much? The answer is, “It depends.”
Companies typically conduct background checks on new hires. However, the information contained in the background report can be very different from one business to the next. Depending on a company’s risk tolerance, business practices, and customer needs, different search products can be included in the background check package. Let’s look at the different types of reports, and what they can provide.
The first type of report we will review are the database and search tools. These reports cannot be used to make a hiring decision, however, they can provide valuable information to help determine where and how to look for criminal records.
- SSN Search/Address Locator – This search will return a list of possible addresses where the consumer has lived. Criminal background checks can then be generated using the states and/or counties returned by this search.
- MJC/SO – This search is the Multi-Jurisdictional Criminal and Sex Offender Registry search. Some companies refer to this as a National Search. Edge Information utilizes a proprietary criminal history database, with information compiled from multiple sources from all 50 states. If a possible record is identified in this search, Edge will automatically investigate the applicable public record criminal information in any counties where the individual has been known to live in the past 7 years. In keeping with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Edge will verify any criminal public record information at the originating governmental source prior to reporting. Extended scopes beyond 7 years are also available at request.
- EdgeMed Report – This search combines several searches often chosen by healthcare clients. The report provides sanction information on healthcare individuals from multiple sources for all 50 states, including the following federal sources: OIG, GSA, FDA Debarments, DEA, and Tri-Care (Formerly Champus). If you would like a full list of the sources used for this search, please reach out to Edge.
The next type of report is government searches. These reports provide information on multiple types of government records, including criminal records, civil records, and driving records. Edge Information reports these records according to all applicable federal, state, or other laws.
- Criminal Report: County-Level – Provides Felony and Misdemeanor criminal convictions and pending cases. The county-level is usually where the most accurate and up-to-date records can be found. In addition, county fees are often less costly than state fees.
- Criminal Report: State-Level – The quality of the records returned on a state-level search are dependent upon the counties that report to them. Some counties do a great job updating the state with their records, and some do not. Therefore, some clients opt to run both state and county reports to minimize the chance of missing a record. However, state fees can often be higher than county fees. Since the requirements may be different depending on your company or your client, it is your decision on which reports you would like Edge to run.
- Criminal Report: National Federal Level – The Federal Courts are a separate jurisdiction from the criminal or statewide records. Cases tried in Federal Courts include kidnapping, large drug cases, financial fraud, bank robbery, and other interstate crimes.
- Civil Records – Provides records for civil cases, which can include torts and/or contracts.
- MVR Driving Report – Provides driving history for three to seven years.
There are also additional searches that can be performed, including credit reports and government sanction lists.
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- Employment or Tenant Credit Reports
- Commercial Driver’s License Information System Search (CDLIS) – searches current and up to 3 prior licenses.
- PSP – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration – electronic access to a driver’s crash and inspection history from FMCSA and MCMIS. PSP records are for commercial drivers.
- HHS/OIG Excluded Parties – Provides sanction list for individuals prohibited from participation in Medicare and/or Medicaid programs.
- GSA – Searches excluded list of parties barred from receiving federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and certain types of federal financial and non-financial assistance and benefits. Includes suspected terrorists and individuals from entering the United States.
- OFAC – Provides a search of the most recent, master list of “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons” that is made available by OFAC. The list may include but is not limited to terrorists, international narcotics traffickers, those engaged in activities to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and other threats to national security, foreign policy, or the economy of the United States.
- Risk Intelligence Report (formerly known as the Global Patriot Act) – Helps impede terrorists by identifying individuals linked to terrorism or classified on government watch lists, improving compliance with the Patriot Act.
- Military Records Search – Verifies categorization of individual’s discharge from the United States Military
When Edge is asked, “What is your price for a background check?”, the answer is always the same: It depends. What searches do you want to include?
One common approach is to conduct the SSN Search, the MJC/SO, and any counties the applicant has lived in the past 7-years. Longer scopes are available and will be discussed in a later article. If you have any questions about customizing the searches or the scope for your packages, or you are interested in a search that is not listed here, please reach out to Edge and we would be happy to assist.
Next month, we will discuss different Verifications and References which businesses may opt to utilize rather than tying up your internal resources.
While the information may address legal issues, it is not intended as legal advice or as a substitute for the particularized advice of your own counsel. Edge does not function as legal counsel and entities seeking legal advice or assistance on their overall screening program should contact an attorney.
