Pre-Employment Background Screening
Please Contact Richard Bond at 800-528-2230
For More Information
Ashley Norman Associates has been performing authorized background research on both current and potential employees in accordance with certain state mandates in an attempt to reduce liability for all types of employers including other collection agencies.
When you are hiring employees, you might need more information on a candidate to make an informed decision and Ashley Norman can secure the answers you need.
The following list includes the types of information that employers often consult as part of a pre-employment check, and the laws governing access and use for making hiring decisions.
Here Are Some Important Guidelines For You To Consider
Credit Reports
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), businesses must obtain an employee's written consent before seeking an employee's credit report. If you decide not to hire or promote someone based on information in the credit report, you must provide a copy of the report and let the applicant know of his or her right to challenge the report under the FCRA. Visit the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection’s website for more information.
Criminal Records
To what extent a private employer may consider an applicant's criminal history in making hiring decisions varies from state to state. Because of this variation, you should consult with a lawyer or do further legal research on the laws of your state before exploring whether or not an applicant has a criminal past.
For Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) checks, consult these resources:
Lie Detector Tests
The Employee Polygraph Protection Act prohibits most private employers from using lie detector tests, either for pre-employment screening or during the course of employment. The law includes a list of exceptions that apply to businesses that provide armored car services, alarm or guard services, or those that manufacture, distribute, or dispense pharmaceuticals.
Even though there is no federal law specifically prohibiting you from using a written honesty test on job applicants, these tests frequently violate federal and state laws that protect against discrimination and violations of privacy.
Medical Records
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, employers cannot discriminate based on a physical or mental impairment or request an employee's medical records. Businesses can, however, inquire about an applicant's ability to perform specific job duties. Some states also have stronger laws protecting the confidentiality of medical records.
Bankruptcies
Bankruptcies are a matter of public record and may appear on an individual's credit report. The Federal Bankruptcy Act prohibits employers from discriminating against applicants because they have filed for bankruptcy.
Military Service
Military service records may be released only under limited circumstances, and consent is generally required. The military may, however, disclose name, rank, salary, duty assignments, awards and duty status without the service member's consent.
School Records
Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and similar state laws, educational records such as transcripts, recommendations and financial information are confidential and will not be released by the school without a student's consent.
Workers' Compensation Records
Workers' compensation appeals are a matter of public record. Information from a workers' compensation appeal may be used in a hiring decision if the employer can show the applicant's injury might interfere with his ability perform required duties.
In order for Ashley Norman Associates to perform a backgound search, we would require copies of the signed authorization provided by the subject of the research. We will advise you as to what areas of concentration should be considered.
Please Contact Richard Bond at 800-528-2230
For More Information
Note: Employment research requests are made through our secure web portal which also allows you to upload the authorizations with ease. If you do not
have a username & password yet, give it a try. There are no monthly fees.
Please Note: All screenings require the full written consent of the current or potential employee specifically giving permission to search or otherwise procure data of a kind and nature required by the employer. The government and each state dictate the type of data that may be requested and whether or not said data may actually be used in the evaluation of person to be employed.