Guide to Louisiana Background Checks
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- What is an Louisiana background check?
- The importance of background checks for Louisiana businesses
- Why should employers conduct Louisiana background checks?
- What shows up on a criminal background history check in Louisiana?
- How to get background checks in Louisiana
- How long does a background check take in Louisiana?
- Legal considerations for Louisiana employers
- Get a Louisiana background check with Checkr
In Louisiana, many employers use background checks during the hiring process to review a candidate’s history and assess their qualifications and eligibility for a role. When conducting background checks in Louisiana, employers need to navigate and comply with a complex system of federal, state, and local legislation that governs these screenings.
Continue reading to learn more about background check requirements in Louisiana, what information screenings may report, and how you can obtain a background check in Louisiana.
What is a Louisiana background check?
A Louisiana background check searches public records, databases, and other sources to provide information about an individual, such as criminal records, driving history, education or employment history, and more.
Common use cases include pre-employment screening to enable employers to verify or gather additional information about the qualifications and histories of candidates and volunteer screenings to help with due diligence and maintaining the integrity of your organization. Background checks also help maintain workplace safety and foster trust.
The importance of background checks for Louisiana businesses
Employers conduct background checks to verify candidate qualifications, ensure workplace safety, manage risk, build trust, and maintain compliance. Federal, state, and local laws may require background checks when hiring for certain positions and some industries or sensitive positions may require specific screenings. For example, healthcare roles often require comprehensive background checks, including criminal background checks, healthcare sanctions checks, and professional license verification.
Why should employers conduct Louisiana background checks?
Louisiana employers conduct background checks to:
- Protect the workplace: Identify potential safety risks and prevent incidents.
- Maintain compliance: Adhere to state and federal employment laws.
- Enhance reputation: Demonstrate a commitment to hiring qualified candidates.
- Mitigate risks: Reduce the likelihood of employee theft, fraud, or misconduct.
What shows up on a criminal background history check in Louisiana?
A Louisiana criminal background check may show felony and misdemeanor convictions, arrest records, and pending criminal cases. Criminal background checks often include several types of searches, which may include:
- SSN trace provides basic information about a Social Security number such as associated names and addresses.
- Sex offender registry check searches registries from all 50 states, Washington DC, and US territories. The results may include the offender’s date of registration and current status.
- Global watchlist search reports information about individuals who are prohibited from certain industries or included on "most wanted" criminal lists, based on data from multiple domestic and international government and regulatory databases.
- National criminal search searches records from a collection of nationwide databases to identify potential records for further exploration, which may include felony and misdemeanor convictions, pending cases, and other interactions with law enforcement that did not result in a conviction.
Depending on the scope of the search, a criminal background check may also include a Louisiana state background check and federal or county searches.
In addition to criminal history, employers may also conduct more comprehensive Louisiana background checks, which may include:
- Driving record checks may show license type and status, suspensions, revocations, and motor vehicle-related offenses, like DUIs.
- Employment verification confirms previous employers, positions held, and employment dates.
- Education verification confirms schools attended, degrees earned, and graduation dates.
- Credit background checks report on a candidate’s credit history, which may include payment history, accounts in collections, and bankruptcies.
- Civil court searches identify a non-criminal court history, such as tax disputes, liens, and judgments.
How to get background checks in Louisiana
Employers may conduct Louisiana background checks on their own or partner with a qualified screening provider. For example, employers can conduct a criminal background check in Louisiana by searching the Louisiana Department of Public Safety Internet Background Check tool. A qualified consumer reporting agency (CRA), like Checkr, can help make the process simpler and faster, while delivering more comprehensive results.
For employers
Employers in Louisiana have the option to conduct background checks on their own or partner with a third-party screening provider. Partnering with a CRA, like Checkr, can simplify and speed the process, while also providing more accurate results.
For individuals
Individuals should be aware that employers in Louisiana may conduct background checks as part of the hiring process. Personal background checks give you the opportunity to preview what potential employers and landlords might see so you can anticipate questions and review the report for errors or inaccuracies.
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How long does a background check take in Louisiana?
The turnaround time for Louisiana background checks can vary based on several factors, including the type of screening, the scope of the search, and who is conducting the check. Generally, partnering with a CRA, like Checkr, can significantly speed the process compared to conducting checks manually. Our advanced technology reduces manual processes to deliver faster, more accurate background checks so you can hire more efficiently.
Legal considerations for Louisiana employers
Compliance with federal and state laws is crucial. Key points include:
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Understand federal regulations for consumer reports.
- Louisiana state laws: Adhere to specific state requirements.
- Adverse action process: Provide clear explanations for employment decisions based on background checks.
- Data privacy: Protect candidate information and comply with data privacy laws.
Get a Louisiana background check with Checkr
Louisiana background checks can help employers find qualified candidates while reducing organizational risk. Checkr’s modern technology streamlines the background check process while helping support compliance. We offer multiple screening options to meet your business needs to help you hire with confidence. Get started with Checkr.
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Disclaimer
The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.
About the author
Sarah writes about small business topics and corporate communications. She has written on a wide range of topics, including background checks, hiring trends, company culture, and employee training and development. Her work includes educational articles, press releases, newsletters, and employee onboarding collateral.