Idaho Rolls Out Update to Criminal Background Check System

How can businesses and non-profit organizations caring for the vulnerable better protect those under their care? A criminal background check is one safeguard that can help prevent unsuitable individuals from entering positions of responsibility. Hospitals, nursing homes, retirement communities, child care, and even EMS providers—must all hire qualified and trustworthy individuals. The alternative is an unacceptable level of risk for potential abuse and harm.

Many states require a criminal record check in these sectors enshrined in law. Some go further still and operate the actual background check process at the state level. This practice is the case in Idaho, which announced in October 2023 that it completed a major overhaul of its system for vetting people working with the vulnerable. Funded by federal grant money, the state hopes to improve its approach to safe hiring dramatically.

What changes took place?

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare's Background Check Unit used federal funding primarily to modernize their computer systems. The old system involved a large number of manual steps and hand-keyed inputs. Those requirements resulted in extended processing times and the potential for data entry errors. The state says it has substantially optimized its workflow by following federal guidelines for best practices. The new system, they claim, will remove the need for paper processes in 99% of cases.

The latest system is faster and more secure than the one it replaces, which rolled out in 2004. In the period since that deployment, technology has advanced rapidly. The new system should enhance the safety and reliability of background checks in Idaho for the health and childcare systems.

The advantages of the new vs. the old system

The new system isn't just faster and more modern. Its improvements will lead to noticeable changes and important benefits for organizations obligated to use it in Idaho. Some of the most significant new advantages include:

• Job applicants can now submit their information to check their criminal record in an FCRA-compliant manner via mobile devices.
• Organizations and agencies can use the new online portal to cover the costs of an applicant's background check.
• Improved security links to local police and FBI resources.
• Automated notifications to employers about compliance deadlines.

Applicants can expect faster processing times and quicker decisions on their applications after the upgrade. With improvements on both sides of the experience, Idaho hopes to improve the efficiency and impact of its screening requirements.

Background checks must keep pace with changing times and maturing technology. The need for insightful screening services remains important across industries, so keeping pace with those changes is essential. Continuous technological improvement combined with a proactive attitude towards enhancing compliance is fundamental to building screening solutions that offer the best value to businesses.

Find modern solutions to empower your processes

Not every state runs programs like Idaho. Many enact employee background check requirements in regulated industries but leave the duty of performing the checks to employers. In these states, partnering with a screening provider equipped to stay on the cutting edge is important. As compliance requirements change and risk profiles vary across industries, the right partner can offer a streamlined service for safer employee selection.

With backgroundchecks.com, you can find the help you need at any level of hiring. Whether for one applicant or a hundred, our innovative solutions quickly answer your most pressing questions about candidate histories. Whether it's running a criminal record check instantly from a massive database of records or searching for an applicant on a sex abuse registry, we tailor solutions to meet your needs. Find out how to equip your organization with advanced screening solutions powered by modern criminal background check technology.