Background checks worth effort
All reasonable steps to avoid problem workers are encouraged

Kim Lee said the number of companies demanding pre-employment background checks is on the rise. “We’ve seen it more and more,” said Lee, an account executive for Aerotek Staffing, 5471 Waterford Lane, a Grand Chute firm that matches up job seekers with employers.
“We hire for a lot of companies who require criminal background checks. Some of our employers require Wisconsin searches and some require national searches.”
Whether a firm performs its background checks in-house or outsources it, negligent hiring can have a devastating impact on an organization or its clients. Read More

Background checks ensure patient safety
I understand why some health care professionals may feel burdened by the more stringent background checks and fingerprinting now required when renewing professional licenses. (”Nurses stuck by the state,” letter, Jan. 6.) However, as professionals responsible for the safety and wellness of patients, it is our duty to do all we can to ensure only the most ethical and law-abiding individuals are providing patient care in New Jersey.
As health care professionals, we are patient advocates. When consumers enter health care facilities, they deserve to feel confident they will receive safe, competent care by a qualified professional. They should take comfort knowing that our state’s health care leadership is concerned enough about their safety to ensure that the individuals they employ are safe practitioners, without a hint of wrongdoing in their background. Read More

Using Background Checks To Find Good Caregivers
Nanny Natalie Sessions loves to toy around with six-month-old Jazz Wilson. But before the fun and games began, Wilson’s parents ordered a background check into Sessions’ past.”You’re kind of nervous about giving your child to a complete stranger,” said Jay Wilson, the child’s father.The Wilsons are part of a growing number of people ordering in-depth background checks on nannies, housekeepers, caregivers, tutors and even personal assistants. Read More

Teachers oppose crime checks
Education union wants state to void offenders list, saying many employees are named in error.
Marisa Schultz and Christine MacDonald / The Detroit News
What’s next?
An Ingham County judge Friday is expected to determine if the temporary ban on releasing criminal history data will continue. Legislation is pending to make the criminal history data public. The state’s largest teachers union called on lawmakers Tuesday to void the results of the Michigan State Police’s criminal background check of 200,000 school employees because it believes they are “rife with errors.” The recent background check revealed more than 4,600 criminal offenses, of which 2,200 were felonies, including murder, sex crimes and kidnapping.
However, the Michigan Education Association believes many of the employees listed are listed in error. Read More