1. South Carolina AHEC Health Careers Academy
PERSONAL HISTORY AND ITS IMPACT ON A CAREER IN HEALTH
South Carolina AHEC
Health Careers Academy
Created for South Carolina AHEC
By Nanette Morris, RN, BA, NBCT_ 2009

2. WHY Employment Background Checks?
Confirmation of Employees:
Qualifications
Credibility
IN HEALTHCARE
Protects Vulnerable Patient Populations
Often required by Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), Many Clinical Facilities and Health Training Programs
Helps to Avoid Employer’s Liability
FACILITATOR NOTES: Why do employers want to check potential employee’s background? It could be for one of several reasons:
1. government security clearances
2. Confirmation of information provided
- It's estimated that up to 40% of resumes can contain false or tweaked information regarding
(source:
a. Employment History
b. Educational Background
c. Training Certifications
3. May be required for clearance to work with different medications
4. Assists in avoiding the potential for liability based upon past actions

3. TYPES OF BACKGROUND CHECKS
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
CRIMINAL HISTORY
FINANCIAL HISTORY

4. PROCESS IDENTIFICATION NOTIFICATION POSSIBLE SOURCES*
Your name and social security number used to perform background checks
NOTIFICATION
You must be advised if:
A background check is administered
Information used to determine rejection
POSSIBLE SOURCES*
Personal & employer references
Criminal history
Credit agencies
Driving record
FACILITATOR’S NOTES:
What's included in an employee background check?
- The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) sets the standards for screening for employment.
The FCRA defines a background check as a consumer report. Before an employer can get a consumer report for employment purposes,
they must notify you in writing and get your written authorization.
- If the employer is simply conducting inquiries (rather than running reports) they should also ask for your consent.
This allows you to withdraw your application if there is information you would rather not see disclosed.
- If an employer decides not to hire because of a credit report, they must give you a pre-adverse action disclosure that includes a copy of the report
and a copy of your rights. They must then give you notice that they have decided not to hire you and let you know the name and address of Consumer Reporting Agency and information on your right to dispute the report.
- A background check verifies your social security number, depending upon job responsibilities it may include:
a. an analysis of your work history
b. references
c. full credit report
d. criminal history
e. driving record
f. credit payment records.
EXAMPLE: It’s reasonable to expect that a person convicted of embezzlement would not be offered a job dealing with financial records
Or a person convicted of drug use/dealing would not be offered a job that requires contact with prescription medications
What can't be included in a background check?
- some information that cannot be disclosed under any circumstances.
- School records are confidential and cannot be released without the consent of the student.
- Bankruptcy can not be used as a reason to not employ, however, bankruptcies are a public record, so, it is easy for employers to obtain the information.
Laws vary on checking criminal history.
- Some states don't allow questions about arrests or convictions beyond a certain point in the past.
- Others only allow consideration of criminal history for certain positions.
- Employers cannot request medical records and may not make hiring decisions based on an applicant's disability or past workman’s compensation.
- They may only inquire about your ability to perform a certain job
- The military can disclose your name, rank, salary, assignments and awards without your consent.
- Driving records are not confidential either and can be released without consent.
(source:
* Based upon job responsibilities

5. When Making Application BE PREPARED
KNOW YOUR INFORMATION
Driving History
Credit Report
Previous Employee File Information
PROVIDE
Current & Accurate Resume
Personal & Professional References
FACILITATOR NOTES:
The best way to prepare for a background check is to be aware of the information that an employer might find.
1) Get a copy of your credit report. If there is erroneous information, dispute it with the creditor.
2) Check your motor vehicle record by requesting a copy of your record from your state Department of Motor Vehicles.
3) Ask your previous employers for copies of your personnel files.
4) Make sure you know what your references are going to say about you.
5) Make sure your resume and job applications are accurate and truthful
- Inaccurate information on a resume can result in
a) not getting hired
b) termination
c) ruining personal and professional credibility

6. QUESTIONS
&
DISCUSSION