Los Angeles County has announced a pivotal change that is set to change how background checks are conducted for companies hiring applicants from LA County. Effective from the close of business on Friday, February 23, 2024, partial dates of birth (DOB) are no longer accessible through kiosks or online platforms. This change, marking a departure from long-standing practices, is poised to impact various stakeholders, including consumers, employers, property managers, and background screening agencies. The official notice can be found here.
Implications for Employers and Background Screeners
The removal of DOB from public records in LA County is likely to introduce complexities in accurately identifying individuals during background checks. The date of birth is a crucial piece of information that aids in distinguishing between individuals with similar or identical names, enhancing the accuracy of search results.
Employers and background screening agencies must now adapt to this change, seeking alternative methods and data points to ensure the continued accuracy of their screenings. This may involve the incorporation of additional identifiers or the development of new verification protocols to mitigate the impact of the absence of DOB information.
Strategies for Adaptation and Compliance
To navigate this evolving landscape, DISA Global Solutions recommends the following strategies for our clients and partners:
- Enhanced Communication: Keep all stakeholders informed about the changes and their potential impacts on the screening process. Clear communication will be essential in managing expectations and ensuring preparedness for any challenges that may arise.
- Alternative Verification Methods: Explore and integrate alternative identifiers and verification methods into your screening process. This could include a greater reliance on social security numbers, addresses, and other unique identifiers.
- Collaboration with Legal Experts: Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements by collaborating closely with legal experts. This will help adapt screening processes in a way that aligns with privacy laws and regulations.
- Continuous Monitoring and Feedback: Monitor the impact of these changes on your screening processes and gather user feedback. This will enable continuous improvement and adaptation to further developments.
Understanding the significance of this development, DISA Global Solutions is at the forefront, providing our clients and partners with the insights and strategies needed to navigate this new terrain. The implications of removing DOB from public records are profound, affecting the accuracy and efficiency of background checks, especially in a county as populous and diverse as Los Angeles.
The Role of PBSA and the Access Subcommittee
In response to Los Angeles County's announcement, the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA) has taken proactive steps to address the concerns and potential challenges this change may bring. The Access Subcommittee of PBSA is spearheading efforts to engage with the courts and seek a balanced solution that safeguards the interests of all parties involved. By fostering dialogue and cooperation, the goal is to find a remedy that maintains the integrity and effectiveness of background checks while respecting privacy and compliance requirements.
DISA Global Solutions is PBSA accredited and aligns with their approach, advocating for solutions that do not compromise the quality of the screening process. We understand the critical role that accurate and comprehensive background checks play in the decision-making process. Thus, we are committed to exploring all avenues to ensure that our clients can continue to rely on the dependability of screening services.
Looking Ahead
As the employment screening and compliance landscape continues to evolve, DISA Global Solutions remains committed to providing our clients with the most reliable, efficient, and compliant screening solutions. The removal of DOB from LA County's public records presents a new challenge, but also an opportunity for innovation and improvement in our industry.
We stand ready to work alongside our clients, PBSA, and other stakeholders to ensure that the integrity of the background screening process is maintained. Through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence, we can navigate these changes successfully, ensuring that our clients continue to make informed and confident decisions based on accurate and comprehensive background checks.
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About DISA
Founded in 1986, DISA is a leader in employee screening and compliance services. With a global presence through its offices in North America and Europe, DISA offers an array of services, including background checks, drug and alcohol testing, occupational health, and transportation compliance. DISA's mission is to help employers make informed staffing decisions and foster a safe workplace environment.