Answer

Why do employers conduct background checks?

Organizations owe it to themselves and their customers to research the background of potential employees and volunteers to ensure the safety of other employees, customers, and their property. The most effective method to accomplish this is by conducting thorough background checks. The costs of fraud, embezzlement, theft, and violence are a multi-billion dollar drain on our economy, bleeding organizations both large and small. One of the most compelling reasons organizations now conduct background checks is to uncover deception or fraud. For example, it can confirm whether an individual provided accurate information on his/her resume or application. Depending on the industry, some form of background investigation may be required, whether because it is mandated by law or because their insurance company demands it.

If the employee is non-DOT regulated, then yes you may have a single specimen collection. But for those who are DOT regulated, you cannot. (Please see Part 40 below).

40.17 How does the collector prepare the specimens?

a. All collections under DOT agency drug testing regulations must be split specimen collections.

b. As the collector, you must take the following steps, in order, after the employee brings the urine specimen to you. You must take these steps in the presence of the employee.

  1. Check the box on the CCF (Step 2) indicating that this was a split specimen collection.
  2. You, not the employee, must first pour at least 30mL of urine from the collection container into one specimen bottle, to be used for the primary specimen.
  3. You, not the employee, must then pour at least 15 mL of urine from the collection container into the second specimen bottle to be used for the split specimen.
  4. You, not the employee, must place and secure (i.e., tighten or snap) the lids/caps on the bottles.
  5. You, not the employee, must seal the bottles by placing the tamper-evident bottle seals over the bottle caps/lids and down the sides of the bottles.

Since each background check can be customized to meet the needs of the employer, job position, and state laws, questions can vary according to what is included in the check. For example, if the employer chose to include an education verification, then the candidate would be asked questions regarding what school they attended, the years they attended, when they graduated, what degrees (if any) they acquired, etc.

DISA is a member of the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS) and can help ensure that your hiring practices are consistent and compliant with your industry needs. DISA provides a comprehensive line of background check services, which are fully automated and can easily be combined with a drug and alcohol testing program or other service offerings.