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Tips for developing a system of conducting background checks

Credentialing & Verification Update, February 28, 2007

If your facility believes that conducting criminal background checks is important but is worried about the staff resources or costs the process requires, there are ways to develop an effective investigation system to keep time and expenses down. Consider the following recommendations:

• Know your state law. Criminal investigations must be done in accordance with state law to avoid invasion of privacy concerns. Inform applicants that you will conduct background investigations.
• Determine how you are going to treat cases that were settled without a finding.
• Make the criminal background check the final element of an employee's probation period or a physician's privileging process. When employees are hired, advise them that you will perform a criminal background investigation and will use the information to determine whether they will keep their job. All other aspects of their perfromance can be assessed before spending the money on the criminal background check.
• Develop and follow your policy in all cases. It is important to determine how far back you are willing to look into an employee's or physician's background. Further, ensure that you apply the policy without discrimination.

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