An update from E-Verify and the USCIS. Because many areas are under stay-at-home orders due to COVID-19 and some online renewal services have restrictions, employees may experience challenges renewing a state driver’s license, a state ID card, or other Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, List B identity document. Considering these circumstances, DHS is issuing a temporary policy regarding expired List B identity documents used to complete Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.

We found this Forbes article discussing the current challenges of obtaining candidate’s information due to court closures during the coronavirus pandemic. The article highlights the perils and potential risks associated with relaxing and changing policies around to navigate current circumstances, but those changes might possibly create discriminatory practices going forward. The article also discusses alternate screening methods some employers are adopting, such as social media screening, to close gaps where traditional screening results are not currently available.

The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued an Updated Special Advisory Bulletin on the Effect of Exclusion from Participation in Federal Health Care Programs on May 8, 2013. These guidelines recommend that health care providers screen their employees and contractors monthly to confirm that they are not on the OIG’s List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (EXCLUSION LIST).

In the past few years, we have seen an influx of complex regulations and increased litigation in the industry, making it even more difficult for companies to adhere to compliance best practices. Inadequate due diligence and negligent hiring practices in the healthcare sector harms not only an organization, but its patients, as well. More often than not, poor hiring decisions are a contributing factor in the rise of lawsuits, medical malpractice claims, and subsequent multimillion dollar settlements.

The big questions?

• Is your business in the health care industry?
• Do you participate in any Federal health care programs?
• Do you receive any Federal funding?
• Are you aware of the screening requirements?

Quest Diagnostics posted on their blog about the precautions they are taking during the coronavirus pandemic. We’re providing the information to you to ease your concerns about drug testing at this time.

SHRM recently posted about three pre-employment screening trends they anticipate this year. Compliance will be the main focus of all three categories and will be critically important to get right. According the SHRM, FCRA claims will continue. Laws focusing on ban-the-box, salary history bans, and marijuana in the workplace will continue to pass. And technology advancements and review will be a focus in 2020. You can read the full article and gather more information here.