Welcome to the July edition of SRA Screening Insights. This month’s newsletter features updates on employment background screening, compliance, credential verification, and industry news to help you stay informed and hire with confidence.
Klasey Wojcik
kwojcik@srascreening.com
Direct: (754) 201-2693
Zulay Moreno
zmoreno@srascreening.com
Direct: (561) 569-8027
Virginia Employment Background Check Law: New Compliance Requirements for Employers
Beginning July 1, 2026, Virginia’s new Business Screening Services law changes how criminal history records are reported and maintained. Employers using employment background checks should be aware of the new compliance requirements and how they may affect the background screening process.
A former Air Canada pilot has been charged with fraud after authorities alleged he flew approximately 900 passenger flights over 17 years without holding the required Airline Transport Pilot License. While he possessed a commercial pilot’s license, investigators say he lacked the certification required to serve as captain on large commercial aircraft. The issue was uncovered during a credential review, prompting a broader investigation into licensing verification practices.
This case serves as a powerful reminder that employment verification, professional license verification, and credential verification are essential parts of a comprehensive employment background screening program. Whether hiring pilots, healthcare professionals, commercial drivers, or other licensed employees, verifying credentials directly with the issuing authority helps employers reduce hiring risk, maintain compliance, and protect the public.
The nationwide Operation Nightingale investigation continues to uncover fraudulent nursing credentials obtained through fake diplomas and transcripts issued by several Florida nursing schools. Federal prosecutors have secured numerous convictions related to the scheme, which allowed unqualified individuals to sit for licensing exams and obtain nursing positions without completing the required education or clinical training. Additional investigations are now examining healthcare workers who may have used these fraudulent credentials to obtain employment.
This case highlights why education verification, professional license verification, and employment background screening are critical for healthcare employers and any organization hiring into licensed or regulated positions. Verifying credentials directly with the issuing institution and licensing board helps reduce hiring risk, support compliance, and protect patients, employees, and the public.
Recent Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) lawsuits continue to remind employers that background check compliance involves more than ordering a report. Employers should regularly review their disclosure and authorization forms, adverse action procedures, and hiring practices to ensure they remain compliant with federal and state requirements.
Whether you’re hiring one employee or hundreds each year, maintaining an FCRA-compliant employment background screening process helps reduce legal risk and promotes fair hiring practices.
As your organization grows, your hiring needs may change too. Whether you’re expanding into new states, hiring for new positions, or simply want to ensure your screening program still aligns with current compliance requirements, we’re here to help.
Contact us for a complimentary review of your background screening package. We’ll answer your questions, discuss your hiring goals, and help ensure you’re ordering the searches that best fit your organization.
Stay informed, stay compliant, and streamline your hiring process with SRA Screening.
