Smart Ways To Implement Continuous Background Screening Today

What Is Continuous Background Screening?

Continuous background screening represents an evolution in workforce risk management. Rather than relying solely on pre-employment background checks, organizations implement ongoing monitoring systems that regularly scan public records and databases for new information about current employees.

This proactive approach allows employers to identify potential issues that may arise after hiring, such as criminal charges, license suspensions, or other concerning activities. The technology works by creating alerts when new information appears in public records, giving employers the opportunity to address situations promptly rather than discovering problems months or years later during periodic re-screening.

How Continuous Background Screening Works

The process begins by enrolling employees in a monitoring system with their consent. These systems regularly scan various databases including court records, driving records, sanctions lists, and professional license verifications depending on the service provider and subscription level.

When the system detects a new record that matches an employee's identifying information, it generates an alert for the employer to review. This automation eliminates the need for manual re-checks while ensuring organizations stay informed about potential risks. Most platforms provide dashboards where employers can manage monitoring parameters, review alerts, and document follow-up actions to maintain compliance with relevant regulations.

It's important to note that continuous screening must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and state laws governing background checks. This includes obtaining proper authorization from employees and following adverse action procedures if negative information leads to employment decisions.

Provider Comparison: Major Continuous Screening Solutions

Several providers offer continuous background screening services with varying features and capabilities:

When selecting a provider, organizations should consider factors such as the comprehensiveness of coverage, ease of integration with existing HR systems, compliance expertise, and cost structure. Accurate Background and GoodHire also offer robust continuous monitoring solutions with strong compliance features and user-friendly interfaces.

Benefits and Limitations of Ongoing Monitoring

Continuous background screening offers several advantages for organizations committed to maintaining safe work environments:

• Enhanced Security - Identifies potential risks as they occur rather than waiting for periodic re-screening
• Reduced Liability - Demonstrates due diligence in maintaining a safe workplace
• Regulatory Compliance - Helps meet industry-specific requirements for ongoing verification in sectors like healthcare, transportation, and financial services
• Resource Efficiency - Automates the monitoring process, reducing administrative burden compared to manual re-screening

However, there are limitations and considerations to keep in mind:

• Privacy Concerns - Employees may feel their privacy is compromised by ongoing monitoring
• False Positives - Systems may generate alerts for individuals with similar names or identifying information
• Implementation Challenges - Organizations must develop clear policies for handling alerts and potential adverse actions
• Cost Considerations - Ongoing subscription fees must be weighed against the value of risk reduction

Organizations like BackgroundChecks.com provide resources to help employers balance these considerations while implementing effective continuous screening programs.

Pricing Models and Implementation Strategies

Continuous background screening services typically follow subscription-based pricing models with several common structures:

• Per-Employee Monthly Fee - Ranging from approximately $1-15 per employee per month depending on monitoring depth
• Tiered Packages - Basic, standard, and comprehensive monitoring options at different price points
• Volume Discounts - Reduced per-employee rates for organizations monitoring large workforces
• Add-On Services - Additional fees for specialized monitoring such as healthcare sanctions or international coverage

For successful implementation, organizations should follow these strategies:

First, develop clear policies outlining which positions require continuous monitoring and what types of alerts warrant action. SHRM recommends documenting these policies carefully and applying them consistently across the organization.

Second, communicate transparently with employees about the monitoring program, its purpose, and their rights. Obtaining proper consent is both legally required and important for maintaining trust.

Third, establish a structured review process for handling alerts, including who reviews them, how decisions are documented, and how adverse action procedures are followed when necessary. EEOC guidelines should be considered when developing these processes to avoid discrimination claims.

Finally, regularly evaluate the program's effectiveness by tracking metrics such as alert frequency, false positive rates, and instances where monitoring identified legitimate concerns that might otherwise have gone undetected.

Conclusion

Continuous background screening represents a significant advancement in how organizations approach workforce risk management. By shifting from point-in-time checks to ongoing monitoring, employers gain valuable visibility into potential issues that could affect workplace safety and compliance. While implementing such programs requires careful planning around privacy, policy development, and cost management, the benefits of real-time risk awareness often outweigh these challenges for many organizations. As workplace safety concerns continue to evolve, continuous screening provides a proactive tool that helps employers fulfill their duty of care while maintaining efficient operations. When implemented thoughtfully with appropriate policies and communication, these programs can strengthen organizational security while respecting employee rights.

Citations

• https://www.sterlingcheck.com
• https://www.hireright.com
• https://checkr.com
• https://www.intellicorp.net
• https://www.accurate.com
• https://www.goodhire.com
• https://www.backgroundchecks.com
• https://www.shrm.org
• https://www.eeoc.gov

This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.