Month: April 2010

If your are applying for tax incentives or credits in Michigan, you may be required to undergo a background check.   That is if the Michigan Economic Growth Authority has its way and adopts its program for conducting background checks on individuals and businesses applying for tax breaks.

According to the New York Times, the new background checking program will not apply to companies who have at least a five year history of doing business in Michigan.  It will also not apply to publicly traded companies.

Given the economic meltdown of the past few years, this is a very prudent move.  It makes even more sense what with all the financial fraud that has transpired.   With lawn enforcement agencies so overwhelmed with investigation of financial fraud and economic malfeasance background checks are vital instruments in helping to prevent additional corruption.

Kudos for the Michigan Economic Growth Authority.

Corra Group believes the Motor Vehicle Driving Record or MVR, is a significant background check, not just for trucking and transportation companies but for employers looking to discern some of their job applicant’s behavior characteristics.   MVRs will not just reveal how well someone drives but whether they have substance abuse issues and how disciplined they are.  Repeated infractions, accidents, or failure to appear in court are indicators have a desultory attitude when it comes to self-discipline.

For the trucking and transportation industry, the motor vehicle driving records or MVRs are essential to be compliant with the Department of Transportation of DOT standards and practices.   All employers hiring drivers with CDLs or Commercial Drivers Licenses must review their driver’s DMV abstracts at least once every twelve months.   This is the law.

With this in mind, we want to remind our readers that most states, due largely to budgetary constraints are raising Department of Motor Vehicle Fees in this poor economy.   Arizona will be rates at the beginning of May.  As of May 1st, 2010,  Arizona  uncertified driving records will increase form $4.25 to $6.00 per abstract.   Certified driving records pricing will increase form $6.25 to $8.00

Please take note of this pricing increase.  And check them out before you hire.

We are pleased to spread the good news that Pro Publica Reporters are finalists  has won the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for their article regarding lax oversight in nursing.  The report was credited to Tracy Weber and Charles Ornstein.  One  article was entitled, Dangerous Caregivers Not on the List.

The Pulitzer Price for Public Service is one of the foundation’s highest honors.   Personally, I found the story informative and compelling, a must read for anyone in the healthcare industry.  The article described lack of or shoddy oversight and the paucity of background checks regarding healthcare workers who are later discovered as convicted felons,  sex offenders, and substance abusers, often stealing drugs from hospitals and healthcare facilities to accommodate their habits.

I have blogged on  this issue numerous times.  One such blog article was entitled, Suspect Caregivers Missed on Healthcare Sanctions Background Checks.  I have found in my readings that California is not the only state where oversight for healthcare workers is lax, at best.   There are any number of states where healthcare workers are finding employment as they have jumped from state to state to stay one step ahead of their background histories, which show disciplinary actions ranging from convicted felonies to patient abuse.   What a great state for recruiting int he healthcare industry.

Anyway, I would like to applaud Weber and Ornstein for their efforts with this report.   Good work, guys.  And thanks to Pro Publica for its fine work as well.