SRA Screening Insights – October Edition

Message from the Editors:

Welcome to the October edition of the SRA Screening Insights newsletter.

Klasey Wojcik
kwojcik@srascreening.com
Direct: (754) 201-2693

Zulay Moreno
zmoreno@srascreening.com
Direct: (561) 569-8027


Did You Know?

You can now connect SRA Screening directly with Greenhouse.

Our new partnership with Greenhouse ATS lets hiring teams launch and track background checks without ever leaving the Greenhouse platform. It’s a seamless way to simplify candidate management, speed up the screening process, and maintain compliance — all in one place.

 


Inside This Edition:

    • Background Checks: A $600K FCRA Compliance Mistake The recent $600,000 penalty imposed, demonstrates how minor errors in background check disclosures can lead to serious legal and financial consequences. This case highlights  the crucial importance of FCRA compliance and attention to every detail. 

 

    • New Mexico Woman Charged with Identity Theft and Nursing Fraud – With cases of credential falsification becoming increasingly common in healthcare, employers are under growing pressure to strengthen and routinely audit their background and license verification processes to protect patients, staff, and organizational integrity.

 

    • Does a DOT Drug or Alcohol Violation Prohibit a Driver from Operating ANY Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV)? When it comes to DOT violations, knowing exactly what driving restrictions apply can help employers avoid costly compliance mistakes. A recent NDASA article explores this important question: Does a DOT drug or alcohol violation prevent a driver from operating any commercial motor vehicle (CMV)?

 

    • City Council to Hold Emergency Hearing on Hiring Practices Following ‘Troubling’ Incidents  – Growing concern is emerging over whether recent incidents involving Boston city employees are isolated missteps or signs of a broader breakdown in the city’s hiring and background check processes. The pattern of events points to potential systemic flaws that highlight an urgent need for stronger oversight and reform.

 

    • Be Prepared for More Audits of Your E-Verify Process  – As federal oversight of employment verification grows, employers are facing heightened scrutiny of their hiring and verification practices. Now more than ever, organizations should understand how the E-Verify audit process works and what steps they can take to stay compliant and prepared.

  •  


 

Background Checks: A $600K FCRA Compliance Mistake

A well-known company recently faced a $600,000 penalty after a footnote in its background check disclosure was found to violate the Fair Credit Reporting Act’s requirement that such disclosures be “clear, conspicuous, and standalone.” The seemingly minor addition triggered a class action lawsuit alleging a willful FCRA violation, and on appeal, the court concluded that the company had acted with reckless disregard for the law. This case serves as a reminder that even minor compliance oversights can have serious consequences, underscoring the importance of HR teams to ensure every disclosure form is precise, compliant, and regularly reviewed.

 


 

New Mexico Woman Charged with Identity Theft and Nursing Fraud

A New Mexico woman has been charged with multiple crimes after allegedly falsifying nursing credentials and stealing the identities of licensed nurses across Texas, California, and Kansas. She reportedly worked as a licensed practical nurse, despite lacking the necessary qualifications, at several hospice centers under different aliases. The scheme was uncovered when one employer detected the fake credentials during a routine license review. With the rise in fraudulent documents and identity theft, this case underscores the need for organizations to maintain robust, compliant verification procedures and to continuously review the status of employee licenses to identify issues early and mitigate potential risks. 

 


 

Does a DOT Drug or Alcohol Violation Prohibit a Driver from Operating ANY Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV)?

A recent NDASA article addresses a key compliance question: Does a DOT drug or alcohol violation prevent a driver from operating any commercial motor vehicle (CMV)? Under 49 CFR § 382.501, a driver who commits such a violation is barred from performing safety-sensitive duties, including driving a CMV, until completing the return-to-duty process. However, the regulation does not explicitly prohibit a CDL driver with a violation from operating a smaller vehicle under 26,001 lbs., or other vehicles defined under §390.5, if operated solely intrastate. Still, employers should be cautious, as Clearinghouse rules and enforcement may still apply, and individual states may impose stricter restrictions. To stay compliant and reduce risk, companies should maintain strong verification procedures and regular Clearinghouse reviews to confirm that all drivers are fully cleared before resuming any commercial driving role.

 


 

City Council to Hold Emergency Hearing on Hiring Practices Following ‘Troubling’ Incidents

Following two troubling incidents involving Boston city employees, the City Council is moving to strengthen its hiring and background check procedures. The action follows reports that a sex offender was employed by the Parks Department and that another city worker with a lengthy criminal record was arrested after allegedly using a taser on a state trooper and possessing a modified firearm. Council members say these incidents expose serious gaps in pre-employment screening and ongoing monitoring. Proposed reforms include annual background rechecks, audits of recent hires, conditional employment offers pending full verification, and quicker suspension protocols when credible allegations arise.

 



 

Be Prepared for More Audits of Your E-Verify Process

With federal agencies increasing their focus on employment eligibility compliance, E-Verify audits are on the rise, and employers should be prepared. A USCIS Desk Review evaluates whether organizations are properly following E-Verify and immigration requirements, often triggered by random selection, data inconsistencies, or employee complaints. Employers may be asked to provide Form I-9s, payroll records, and other supporting documents, and in some cases, undergo on-site visits or interviews. Significant errors or violations can lead to expanded investigations, making regular internal audits and thorough documentation essential for compliance.

 

 


Stay informed, stay compliant, and streamline your hiring process with SRA Screening.