Are Background Checks Necessary?

Hospitals and medical groups may underestimate the importance of background checks and the referencing of candidates who are being considered for a position with their organization. A physician who trained at a well-respected residency/fellowship program will have impressive credentials. However, do you know if there is a gap in the candidate's training or work history? Is there history of malpractice suits or is a suit pending? Has the physician been involved in any civil actions? A completed application for employment may not tell the whole story regarding malpractice, licensing issues or sanctions. The review of information should not stop here. Conducting a background check before you invite a candidate for a site visit or make an offer may prevent you from wasting time, money and effort on someone who might not meet your criteria.

Perhaps using the services of a reputable, professional background check company should be part of your credentialing process, and depending on what information you want to cover, this will likely begin with a release form from the candidate. William Loughrige of WJL Investigations, Inc. notes not only is it important to request a completed application from the candidate, but obtaining a signed authorization is mandatory to release certain information. The signed authorization must be in strict compliance with all provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the American Disabilities Act and all other applicable federal and state laws. If a candidate refuses to provide the release form, perhaps this is not a candidate you will want to pursue. Your hospital or medical practice needs to be assured your medical providers are high quality professionals and will uphold the positive image the organization wants to maintain.

A detailed background screening and credentialing verification investigation may include:

Education Verification
License and Privilege Verification
Professional References
Social Security Trace
Criminal and Civil Records Search
Nationwide Background Check
Sex Offender Search
HHS/Office of Inspector General's (OIG) Exclusion List Check

You may also want to verify the physician through the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB). Only healthcare facilities can access the NPDB, or a physician may provide you a self-inquiry report from the NPDB. Take advantage of this important resource prior to a site visit or contract offer.

When or if items do surface during credentialing and investigations, don't arbitrarily reject a candidate without further review, as there may be legitimate reasons that something has occurred that would not automatically disqualify them from further consideration. Look into the matter and make the appropriate decision.

Background checks are indeed necessary, so be sure to investigate prior to inviting the candidate to interview. Or, at a minimum, make your contract offer contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation.

WJL Investigations, Inc. located in Tempe, Arizona provides background investigations for healthcare facilities throughout the nation. As an expert in his field, Mr. Loughrige's history includes employment with the Fraud/Trade Enforcement, Phoenix Police Department, Anti-Terrorism Task Force and Equal Employment (EEO).

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