How Proper Employment Screenings Can Keep Your Company Compliant

December 3, 2021

Background screenings can offer a wealth of valuable information to inform your employment decisions and help you hire and retain the safest, most effective workforce. When such screenings are not done in proper compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, however, these powerful tools can instead open your company up to liability. 

Important Elements of Background Screening Compliance

Employers and job candidates alike recognize the importance of background screenings in creating a safe, effective workplace. Background check requirements are in place to help level the playing field so that candidates are assessed more fairly on their merits for a specific position rather than rejected unfairly. Specific federal requirements for background checks address issues such as:



  • When and what types of background checks can be performed
  • How job candidates must be notified of background checks and their results
  • When background screening details may be used to make hiring decisions
  • What information may be gathered in a background check

Laws Governing Background Screening Compliance

While there are numerous regulations at all levels of government to address screening compliance, some of the most widely applicable include:




Other federal regulations as well as state and local laws will usually also apply. Ensuring you work with an experienced, reputable company to perform background checks on potential and current employees is vital to protecting your company and the employees you have and may want to hire in the future.

Why Is Background Screening Compliance Important?

Failure to perform background screenings in compliance with applicable regulations is not only unethical, it is often illegal. Meeting screening requirements protects both job candidates and employers from liability and helps to limit discrimination and unfair hiring practices. Proper screenings can also promote better communication between employers and potential employees.

At Employers Reference Source, Inc., we have the expertise to ensure background screenings are performed effectively and in full compliance with current laws and regulations. Contact us today to simplify all of your background check needs.

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