FTC requests greater transparency, consumer control for Data Brokers

The Federal Trade Commission recently completed a study of nine data brokers in an attempt to provide the public with information about the companies that collect and use individuals’ personal information without their knowledge or permission. In the report of its findings, the FTC encouraged Congress to create laws that would require transparency through education…

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Delaware, schools reconsidering background check policy after alleged assaults

After four students in the Woodbridge School District came forward with allegations that they’d been sexually assaulted by their teachers, Woodbridge School District and the Delaware House of Representatives are reconsidering their current background screening legislation and policies. Currently, the state allows new teachers to begin working before all background checks have been completed, a…

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Is it discriminatory to refuse to hire smokers?

It makes sense that healthcare facilities would want their employees to be healthy, considering that their job is to dole out advice and care to keep others healthy. But do hospitals and health systems have the right to include smoking bans in their corporate hiring policy? Or can banning cigarettes and other forms of tobacco…

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Minnesota to expand caregiver screening to prevent negligent retention

Beginning in October 2014, Minnesota’s Department of Human Services is expected to implement new policies for pre-employment background screening when it comes to caregivers for the elderly, disabled and children. New state legislation has passed requiring all current and future employees in these industries to undergo fingerprint background checks, in an attempt to avoid the…

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Calif. county may instate employee criminal history checks on ice cream truck vendors

Los Angeles County’s Board of Supervisors has proposed new regulations requiring ice cream truck operators, and other street vendors whose primary clientele consists of unsupervised children, to undergo fingerprinting and background checks before being licensed to run their businesses in Los Angeles County. Conducting these employee criminal history checks prior to licensing could potentially keep…

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Delaware, Baltimore pass ban-the-box legislation

Add the state of Delaware and the city of Baltimore, Md., to the list of cities and states that have passed “ban the box” legislation. Delaware is now the 12th state to officially pass statewide ban-the-box laws. Delaware Gov. Jack Markell signed an order on May 8 prohibiting public-sector employers from asking about or conducting criminal…

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Avoid negligent hiring when employing a babysitter

When Mind Your Business was founded, it was created as a way for owner Karen Caruso to screen potential candidates to take care of her children. Conducting a background check is recommended when hiring full-time care for your children, such as a nanny. But what if you just need a sitter for a few hours?…

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Set your company up for success with a strong HR department

The Human Resources department at any company wears a lot of hats — its representatives are responsible for creating company policy regarding hiring, helping the company avoid expensive discrimination lawsuits, and saving the company money by making sure employees are hired for jobs they are qualified for and are able to retain for the long…

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