How to Screen NEMT Drivers | NEMT Experts P E47

Bambi CEO Nirav Chheda talks with Pamela Mack, the Owner and President of Occuscreen, about how to conduct screening, background checks, and drug testing in the process of hiring NEMT drivers.

See the full interview on YouTube. 

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Podcast Show Notes:

Summary

This podcast episode features a discussion between Nirav Chheda and Pamela Mack, owner of Occuscreen, about the importance of screening NEMT (Non-Emergency Medical Transportation) drivers. Pamela explains that her company has been in the background and drug screening business for over 30 years, with 15 years of experience specifically in the NEMT industry.

The conversation covers the types of screening required for NEMT drivers, which typically include criminal background checks, sex offender registry checks, motor vehicle reports, and drug screenings. Pamela emphasizes the importance of following regulatory guidelines, particularly the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines, to avoid legal issues and protect both drivers and NEMT businesses.

Pamela provides insights into the screening process, explaining that it's not as instantaneous as many people believe. She notes, "There's actually different processes, different courthouses we sometimes have to reach out to. It's not by Social Security number, it's by name and date of birth and then addresses and all sorts of other ways that we identify someone." The typical timeline for completing a screening is 1-3 business days, depending on the state's requirements.

The episode also addresses common misconceptions about background checks, such as the difference between fingerprinting and criminal background checks. Pamela advises that unless specifically required by contract, fingerprinting is often not the best method for employment screening.

Pamela stresses the importance of working with an experienced and accredited Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA). She recommends that NEMT businesses choose a screening company that is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA) and offers good customer service. As she puts it, "Find a partner that will actually work with you and answer your questions and be there for you. And then I think you'll find it's not that difficult, it's not that scary, it's not overwhelming."

Overall, the episode provides valuable insights for NEMT businesses on how to navigate the driver screening process effectively and compliantly.

Key Takeaways:

1. Simple Onboarding Process: The onboarding process for background checks and drug screenings at Pamela Mack's company is straightforward. After credentialing, transportation providers (TPs) can easily log in and manage background checks and drug screenings electronically.
2. Detailed Screening Process: Background checks are not instant and rely on multiple steps, including courthouse verification. Drug screenings are similarly processed, often involving QR codes and electronic consent forms.
3. FCRA and Compliance: It's essential to follow legal guidelines such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and EEOC recommendations, especially when handling sensitive information like criminal records or drug test results.
4. Fingerprinting vs. Background Checks: Fingerprinting is often misunderstood as the best background check method. Mack emphasized that fingerprinting often shows arrest information, not convictions, which is less helpful for hiring decisions.
5. Legal Risks of Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with regulations, such as obtaining written consent for background checks, can expose companies to significant legal risks, including class-action lawsuits.
6. Service Across the U.S.: Mack’s company operates across the U.S., working with both large and small transportation providers, offering tailored solutions to meet specific NEMT screening needs.

Key Quotes:

1. On the Process:
   • Pamela Mack: “Once you’ve done it once, you’re set up, and you look through the instructions or call us for help, it’s actually a pretty simple process.”
2. On Background Checks:
   • Pamela Mack: “Most people think a background check is all about a social security number. But it's not instant. It requires names, birth dates, addresses, and multiple sources.”
3. On Fingerprinting:
   • Pamela Mack: “Unless your contract requires fingerprinting, we would never recommend it. It mostly pulls up arrest information, and arrest records can’t be used for hiring.”
4. On Compliance Risks:
   • Pamela Mack: “If you ignore those things, you’re opening yourself up to a lot of liability... Do it right instead of finding out the hard way what you did wrong.”
5. On Choosing a Screening Partner:
   • Pamela Mack: “Find a partner that will actually work with you, answer your questions, and be there for you.”

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