When hiring in the health care industry, there are several challenges that must be tackled. First, you, obviously, need to find qualified candidates with the appropriate licenses and/or certifications. Then, you need to perform the appropriate health care background screening to ensure the applicant is trustworthy around the confidential information, and pharmaceutical substances, to which they may have access—while complying with all federal and state requirements.
To help streamline the health care hiring process, making it easier and more efficient, follow these five best practices in health care background checks.
1) Verify Health Care Licenses & Certifications
According to a recent study, 46% of education, employment, and credential checks reveal resume falsifications. The verification of all necessary licenses and/or certifications is critical—especially in the health care industry. The most reliable method of license verification is to contact the state agency to confirm the existence and status of the claimed license or certification.
2) Conduct A Criminal Background Check
One in three businesses fail as the result of employee theft. Don’t jeopardize your company, your employees, and your patients by failing to perform criminal background checks on health care candidates. Partnering with a company that specializes in performing criminal background checks will guarantee accurate federal, state, and county results.
3) Confirm Employment History
Your hiring manager should verify each candidate’s:
- Previous place of employment
- Dates of employment
- Role and responsibilities
- Compensation
- Reason for leaving—and eligibility for re-hire
Candidates should be aware that efforts are being made to verify previous employment details—and should provide a written acknowledgement for this information to be obtained.
4) Verify Social Security Number (SSN)
Employers are making greater efforts to verify job candidates’ social security numbers—in an effort to confirm their eligibility to work in the United States. A social security number is issued soon after birth—and now can be requested on the birth certificate application. A SSN verification service will determine if the employer should request additional documentation showing his or her ability to work in the U.S.
5) Ongoing Background Screening
The importance of, and need for, background checks in health care doesn’t end when an employment offer is made and accepted. It continues throughout the employee’s time with the company. To ensure your candidate isn’t involved in activities or behavior that compromise the credibility of your company, maintain an ongoing background screening policy—involving periodic criminal screening, drug testing, and any other background check that pertains to the position.
For more information on integrating an effective background screening policy in the health care industry, contact eVerifile, a leading health care background check provider, and speak with an industry expert.
