Is Fingerprinting The Same As A Background Check?

Mar. 2, 2016

In theory, it would brand logical sense that a background check based on biometrics such as fingerprints would result in a highly authentic investigation. Background screening experts hold, however, that the FBI fingerprint background cheque should never be considered a "gold standard" in employment screening. If your healthcare organization currently conducts fingerprint background checks, you lot're likely doing so because of a legal requirement. Only there'south quite a bit of confusion effectually and strong misconceptions about the quality of fingerprint based checks. So before y'all determine to rely solely on the FBI fingerprint check, consider the post-obit 7 misconceptions before making any changes to your program.

#i - The FBI Database is Spread-out, Accurate, and Complete

Contrary to popular belief, there is no unmarried national database containing consummate and up-to-date records cataloging all criminal history. Employers should be mindful of this reality when selecting the components of their employment background packages. The FBI database is a repository, and like whatsoever other database that relies on information that must be reported to it, even the FBI database is not completely accurate and upwards-to-date. Both a 2006 report by the Department of Justice and a more recent 2015 written report by the US Authorities Accountability Office cited meaning inaccuracies in the FBI database. If a country or canton fails to report arrest records or a courtroom disposition then that data will not appear on the FBI Identification Record. This reliance on arrest and court records, coupled with the passive collection system can pb to a large number of incomplete files.

#2 - Every Arrest Has Fingerprints

Unfortunately, this is not always the example. Depending on the jurisdiction, some lower level offenses and even certain misdemeanors may not be fingerprinted and would therefore non be picked upwards by the FBI database.

#3 - Fingerprint Background Checks are Investigative

Actually, a fingerprint search merely reflects information received by the FBI from states and municipalities. It does non mean a thorough investigation was conducted.

#4 Any Employer Can Deport FBI Groundwork Checks

Perhaps the biggest drawback of the FBI fingerprint background bank check is that screenings performed through their database tin can only exist done if the employer has legal authority under statute.

#5 - The FBI Database Was Created for Background Screening

This is faux. The FBI database was never intended to be used for employment-related background screening. The database was not designed to fulfill this purpose, then employers should be wary of relying as well heavily on this screening.

#six - Fingerprint Background Checks are Efficient

With employers focusing on meeting fast-paced hiring goals, conducting a fingerprint-based background cheque may not exist the most efficient and timely screening option. Unfortunately, FBI results are contingent upon the consumer having his or her prints taken by an approved vendor and are at the mercy of FBI processing times.

In summary, the FBI fingerprint background bank check is non recommended for healthcare employers as a sole source of criminal history screening. Depending on state laws that may touch on specific healthcare positions, yous may be required to carry FBI screenings by statute. But this however leaves your arrangement at risk of not conducting a thorough and accurate search. In a recent argument, the National Clan of Professional Groundwork Screeners (NAPBS) indicated how utilizing the services of third-party consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) can provide employers with a more thorough investigation: "Unlike fingerprint checks that are not investigative by nature, NAPBS fellow member background screeners offer thorough investigations into an applicant's background using multiple sources including county, statewide and federal courtroom records, educational records, and commercial databases."

PreCheck Background Screening Resource Kit