What Is a Level 3 Background Check For Employment?

Many have heard the term background check, but the specifics often remain a mystery. When we talk about a Level 3 background check for employment, it’s not some sort of spy movie investigation you might picture in your head. Instead, it entails a comprehensive analysis of an individual’s past. 

In this piece, we’ll offer some clarity on background checks. From sifting through criminal records to understanding personal histories, we’ll highlight what makes Level 3 unique. By the end, you’ll have a clearer grasp of why this level of screening is so pivotal for many employers. 

Plus, you might just realize that the world of background checks is deeper and more complex than you initially thought.

What Is a Level 3 Background Check

A Level 3 background check is among the most detailed types of background screenings that employers can use. Its comprehensive nature is a major reason it’s often seen as the best option for pre-employment assessments. Unlike more straightforward checks focusing only on a person’s history in one state, a Level 3 background check expands its search, often covering several states and tapping into national databases.

What makes a Level 3 check distinct is its ability to provide information on both criminal and civil records. This gives a fuller picture of an individual’s past. On top of that, it might also include results from pre-employment drug tests, giving more depth to its findings.

Because of its wide-ranging insights, many employers prefer Level 3 checks. They offer peace of mind that potential employees have been deeply vetted, ensuring a fit with company values and promoting a safe workplace environment. In essence, a Level 3 background check is about thoroughness, enabling businesses to limit potential risks and cultivate a more secure and trustworthy workforce.

Understanding Background Check Levels

Within the framework of background checks, there are several distinct levels, each tailored for specific purposes. These levels vary in depth, providing insights ranging from basic to comprehensive. Below are the detailed explanations of each level, helping one choose the appropriate screening to meet specific needs.

Level 1 Background Check

The level 1 screening is generally an initial step in background checks. It primarily relies on a name-based method, pulling data from a nationwide database. 

Additionally, it incorporates a search from a local court, usually from the area where the person currently resides. This can provide insight into any recent legal matters associated with the individual. 

To add to its breadth, this level sometimes includes verification of one’s past employment, confirming the accuracy of the applicant’s claims about their professional history. 

Organizations opting for this type of screening are often looking for a straightforward and broad overview of an individual’s background.

Level 2 Background Check

Moving a bit deeper, a level 2 background check extends the boundaries of Level 1 by placing a greater focus on local or county court records. 

It isn’t just about where the individual currently resides; this check digs into every county where the individual has lived, worked, or even studied in the past seven years. With its reliance on county criminal searches, which fetch their information straight from the courts, the accuracy and reliability of this level are commendable. 

This approach is predominantly suggested for those beginning their journey in a structured professional environment, ensuring they have a clean slate as they step into their roles.

Level 3 Background Check

Level 3 is a more exhaustive background check, often favored by many organizations. This comprehensive check doesn’t only look at criminal records; it also searches a large national database and reviews counties where the person has connections from the last seven years.

But that’s not all. It ensures that the educational qualifications the applicant provides are genuine by verifying the highest degree they claim to have obtained. 

Additionally, it delves into their professional history, checking up on as many as three of their past employers. The cherry on top? Sometimes, these checks even encompass the results of a drug test taken before employment, providing a clearer picture of the individual’s lifestyle. 

Given its depth, this level of screening is primarily reserved for those aiming for middle to upper-level management roles, ensuring a thorough vetting process.

Level 4 Background Check

The level 4 screening is the go-to choice for positions that demand utmost trust and responsibility. Tailored for individuals aiming for the top tiers of an organization, this check encapsulates everything from Level 3 and goes even further. It ensures there are no skeletons in the closet by looking into civil records at both federal and county levels. 

In today’s digital age, a person’s online presence can reveal a lot, hence, this level also scours through social media platforms. Financial integrity is paramount for high-ranking roles; thus, a thorough financial screening is also part of the process. Depending on the industry’s nature and the position’s sensitivity, this check can also involve an elaborate health and drug screening. 

This level leaves no stone unturned, making it ideal for executive or highly confidential roles.

What Is a FACIS Level 3 Background Check

A FACIS Level 3 Background Check refers to a specialized screening process that stands for “Fraud Abuse Control Information System.” It is designed to thoroughly evaluate individuals, especially those within the healthcare sector, to ensure they have not engaged in activities or practices that might pose risks to patients or the broader healthcare system.

• In-Depth Analysis – The FACIS Level 3 Background Check thoroughly examines the history of healthcare professionals. It aims to ascertain that these individuals uphold the medical field’s highest standards and haven’t been involved in malpractices, fraud, or other related unethical activities.
• Exclusion, Sanction, and Debarment Search – A key component of this check is to scan for any sanctions, exclusions, or debarments related to the healthcare professional. This ensures that the individual has not been penalized or prohibited from practicing due to any wrongdoings.
• Gold Standard in Healthcare Screening – The FACIS Level 3 check is considered the most comprehensive in the industry, often dubbed the “gold standard” for exclusion screenings. It rigorously verifies and monitors the backgrounds of medical professionals to ensure safety and integrity.
• Wider Scope – Unlike its Level 1 and Level 2 counterparts, the FACIS Level 3 check offers a broader scope in its search, leaving no stone unturned to ensure healthcare professionals are both qualified and trustworthy to serve in the medical field.

How Far Back Does a Level 3 Background Check Go

Below are the details on what the search includes, detailing how far back this thorough investigation goes and what it typically reveals.

Education Verification

For many job roles, especially those that require specialized training or education, verifying educational credentials is paramount. A Level 3 background check ensures that an individual’s educational background aligns with what’s mentioned in their resume or job application. 

False claims related to education can often be indicators of potential integrity issues, making this step crucial. Moreover, specific roles may have regulatory or certification requirements, which make education verification all the more essential. 

Employment Check

Understanding a candidate’s professional journey is fundamental to evaluating their suitability for a role. A detailed employment check under a Level 3 background screening provides more in-depth insight into the candidate’s career trajectory, work ethic, and more. 

By analyzing the pattern of job switches, roles undertaken, and durations at each employment, potential employers can anticipate the candidate’s future performance and dedication. Furthermore, inconsistencies in the employment record or unexplained gaps can be flags that necessitate further scrutiny.

Criminal Records

While basic background checks may briefly overview an individual’s criminal history, a Level 3 check delves much more deeply. Such an exhaustive check could uncover infractions or offenses from earlier stages in a person’s life. 

This comprehensive review ensures that employers are aware of any past behavior that could affect workplace safety or the company’s reputation. Moreover, being informed about a candidate’s past allows employers to make more nuanced decisions, considering rehabilitation and the nature of offenses.

References Check

While an individual’s resume and interview performance can be enlightening, third-party insights from references can often offer a different perspective. A Level 3 background check ensures that these references are genuine and not fabricated. 

Engaging in conversations with these references can provide insights into the individual’s teamwork abilities, leadership qualities, conflict-resolution skills, and overall workplace demeanor. These insights can often be pivotal in making hiring decisions.

FACIS Screening

For employers in the healthcare domain, FACIS screening holds significant importance. Beyond verifying credentials, a Level 3 FACIS check ensures that healthcare professionals haven’t been involved in malpractices, fraud, or other unscrupulous activities. 

Considering the sensitivity and responsibility of healthcare roles, ensuring that professionals uphold the highest ethical standards is paramount. A thorough FACIS screening can help healthcare institutions maintain trust and credibility.

Credit History

An individual’s credit record might not always be directly linked to all job roles, but they can shine a light on their financial habits and choices. For positions requiring money management or significant financial decisions, knowing about an applicant’s credit is key. This way, employers can be aware of any financial mishandling risks.

Motor Vehicle Records

If a job needs someone to drive or use company transport, looking into their past driving history is key. This gives insight into their history with traffic issues, any incidents with driving under the influence, and general driving behavior, making sure the person is dependable when on the move.

License and Certification Verifications

Some jobs demand specific professional qualifications. It’s crucial to check if an applicant genuinely possesses the required current and valid certifications to keep up with professional norms and necessary regulations.

Drug Screening

The use of prohibited substances can alter a worker’s efficiency, choices, and safety at work. In some Level 3 background evaluations, especially for jobs needing keen alertness and physical prowess, a test for drugs is conducted. This assures that the possible worker isn’t facing any drug challenges hindering their work abilities.

Civil History

While employers use these checks to gain insights into non-criminal disagreements or issues an individual might have faced, such as legal disputes or other judicial matters, it’s essential to ensure that these checks are conducted in compliance with regulations like the Civil Rights Act. Such records can shed light on the person’s approach to resolving disputes or any warning signs in their non-criminal engagements.

Databases Included in a Facis Level 3 Background Check

A FACIS Level 3 background check is crucial in ensuring credibility and adherence to best practices of individuals within healthcare and related sectors. This thorough examination involves a comprehensive review of several essential databases, each serving distinct functions:

OIG (Office of Inspector General)

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) serves as a guardian for the ethical standards of healthcare facilities. The OIG exclusion database is diligently updated to help medical institutions steer clear of potentially problematic hires. 

These hires could result in the forfeiture of critical federal funding or even substantial financial penalties. Individuals find themselves on this list for many reasons, but fraudulent activities often top the list. 

When healthcare professionals exhibit behavior or partake in inappropriate actions and are thus unfit for roles within federally-funded healthcare establishments, they are placed on this exclusionary list. 

Comprehensive Level 3 background checks encompass a thorough review of this database to ensure potential employees aren’t flagged here.

SAM (System for Award Management)

The System for Award Management (SAM) stands as a beacon ensuring healthcare entities remain transparent and above board. This system confirms that no entities receiving government funds have employees on specific exclusion lists. 

Individuals might be barred from participating in state or federal contracts due to past criminal involvements. A Level 3 background check delves into SAM and other significant databases like the SDN to root out potential risks. The SDN serves as a shield for national security by listing individuals with ties to sanctioned organizations or groups that might pose threats.

FDA Disbarment

The drug sector, especially within healthcare entities, has its own set of standards to maintain. The FDA list ensures those in breach of certain rules don’t find employment within this specialized industry. 

The Federal Drug Administration meticulously maintains this list, adding only those individuals who have faced a court of law and been convicted of offenses directly related to drug products. 

Even though some professionals might face disciplinary actions in other sectors, only those with drug-related convictions find their names here. Most often, this disbarment period caps at five years, barring extraordinary cases.

DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration)

The DEA monitors the drug landscape, both legal and illegal. Its database, integral to a Level 3 background check, is of paramount importance for healthcare centers involved with medications and pharmaceuticals. 

The database encapsulates a broad spectrum of individuals, predominantly those convicted for drug-affiliated offenses. 

The DEA’s scope isn’t confined to illicit drugs; it also monitors pharmaceutical wrongdoings, offering a comprehensive overview of drug-related crimes within the healthcare realm.

TRICARE

Serving as a beacon of support for armed forces personnel and their families, TRICARE offers healthcare benefits tailored to this group. 

The database is invaluable during a Level 3 background check, helping pinpoint individuals who might have betrayed the TRICARE system through fraud or other forms of misconduct. 

Ensuring the integrity of individuals interacting with this system is paramount for the welfare of our servicemen and women.

FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation)

A household name in investigations, the FBI offers a vast database beyond just the healthcare sector. Scouring this database during a Level 3 background check helps healthcare establishments vet potential hires for any federal criminal records. 

U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)

The U.S. Department of Justice offers another vital database screened during a Level 3 background check. While it parallels the FBI in many ways, the DOJ’s database highlights different facets of a potential hire’s background, capturing details not strictly tied to the healthcare sector but essential for upholding industry standards.

U.S. Treasury Department

Guiding the financial compass of the nation, the U.S. Treasury Department holds several databases that a comprehensive Level 3 background check wouldn’t overlook. Databases under its purview, like the SAM and the SDN, are scrutinized to ensure potential hires meet the highest standards.

U.S. State Department

The U.S. State Department databases offer another layer of scrutiny during the Level 3 Background check. These databases, harmonizing with those overseen by the U.S. Treasury Department, contain data on individuals sanctioned due to various governmental actions, ensuring healthcare establishments remain vigilant and informed in their hiring practices.

Medicaid Exclusion Lists

Every state has its safeguard in the vast landscape of U.S. healthcare—a dedicated list, called the Medicaid Exclusion List. This is where healthcare providers flagged for unethical actions, from deceit to patient neglect, are named. It’s a proactive measure ensuring Medicaid’s trustworthiness remains unbroken. 

Before hiring, facilities cross-reference these state-specific lists. Why? To ensure they’re not bringing aboard someone who has previously faltered in their professional obligations. This acts as an additional layer of safety and institutional integrity. 

Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB)

The FSMB serves a grand purpose—it’s the bridge connecting medical boards sprawled across the nation. Ensuring medical standards aren’t just words on paper, they’re a practiced reality. The FSMB acts as a central hub. 

Here, employers have a resource—a place where they can verify if a potential healthcare candidate has ever wandered off the professional path. It’s not about prying but about maintaining medical practice’s sanctity. 

Sanctions and Exclusions for Level 3 Background Check

In the US, both federal and state governments maintain distinct databases related to the healthcare sector. These databases catalog individuals who have faced sanctions or have been excluded due to specific violations. 

A notable standard for this type of screening is the FACIS Level 3 Background Check. This rigorous check is recognized as the gold standard for exclusion screening, verification, and monitoring in the healthcare field. It incorporates the entire FACIS database, including federal exclusion lists, ensuring that all relevant sanctions and exclusions are captured.

Among these databases, several play a pivotal role in maintaining healthcare standards. The OIG Exclusion List is a federal database documenting individuals barred from participating in federal healthcare programs. The SAM database, on the other hand, lists entities excluded from federal contracts. Additional databases such as the DEA, OFAC-SDN, and FDA also provide critical information on sanctions and exclusions. Furthermore, screenings extend to national sex offender registries and other sanction lists at both the federal and state levels.

Level 3 Background Check: Disqualifying Offenses

Disqualifying offenses are key factors that can impact a person’s eligibility for employment. Here are some main disqualifying offenses:

Criminal Convictions

Criminal convictions are a significant concern in background checks. Serious crimes like felonies, violent acts, or dishonest acts such as fraud or embezzlement usually lead to disqualification. Employers also look at how severe the crimes were and how recent they occurred. They might also consider if the person with a criminal conviction has tried to make amends for their actions.

Gaps in Employment History

Gaps in an applicant’s employment history can raise red flags during a background check. At the same time, not inherently disqualifying, unexplained, or lengthy periods of unemployment may lead employers to question an applicant’s reliability or honesty. 

Providing reasonable explanations for these gaps, such as pursuing further education or taking care of family matters, can mitigate concerns.

References and Recommendations

Background checks often include contacting an applicant’s references and reviewing their recommendations. Negative feedback or references indicating a lack of professionalism, integrity, or competency can be disqualifying. Conversely, positive references can enhance applicants’ chances of securing a position.

Abuse and Fraud in the Healthcare Industry

In the healthcare industry, abuse or fraud, especially involving patients or insurance, is a serious disqualifying offense. Individuals found guilty of patient abuse, billing fraud, or any other unethical behavior may be deemed unfit for healthcare-related positions. Healthcare organizations prioritize patient safety and integrity in their hiring decisions.

How Long Does a Level 3 Background Check Take

A Level 3 background check, given its extensive nature, doesn’t have a fixed duration. However, based on general background check timelines, it’s common for checks to be completed within two to five business days. Factors such as the individual’s history and specific requirements can influence the turnaround time.

• Criminal background checks typically range between 1-3 days.
• Employment verification can vary from a few minutes to 2-7 days, depending on the method used.
• Some systems can have responses spanning from three days to even eight weeks, especially for positions in areas like government, public education, and law enforcement.

How To Pass a Level 3 Background Check 

Being adequately prepared and grasping the subtle details can distinguish you from other applicants. Here are some tips to guide you effectively through this essential phase:

Run a Background Check on Yourself

Before facing a formal background check, it’s recommended to conduct a screening on yourself. By doing so, you can pinpoint inaccuracies or potential issues that might appear during the official evaluation. 

You can either scan online public records or make use of available background check platforms. Prioritize the accuracy and timeliness of the information acquired, paving the way for a consistent and trustworthy background evaluation. 

Understand State and Federal Laws

It’s vital to familiarize yourself with background check regulations at both the state and national levels, including those stemming from federal sources. Given that these checks are governed by varying rules across jurisdictions, understanding these legalities protects your rights and ensures that your employment background checks and verification are both fair and legal.

Be Honest in the Employment Process

Upholding integrity is paramount during job applications. Whether you’re filling out forms or attending interviews, offer precise details about your employment, personal background checks, qualifications, and any criminal records if inquired. It’s better to be transparent about any potential hitches, as concealment can be an alarming signal to potential employers.

How To Run a Background Check Online

If you’re curious about what might come up when someone runs a background check on you or if you suspect any potential disqualifying offenses registered in your name, you might consider conducting an online self-check. You can use professional online plataforms that will provide you information about yourself within minutes.

Please note: Using these services does not guarantee passing a level 3 background check. They provide you with a general overview of what might be on your record.

• TruthFinder: Best for in-depth background checks
• Hire Image: Best for employment screenings
• SterlingCheck: Best for comprehensive verifications

>> See the complete review list <<< 

Level 3 Background Check FAQ

What are OCC Health Screenings?

Occupational Health Screenings, often called OCC Health Screenings, measure an individual’s health and mental condition regarding their job responsibilities. Companies administer these screenings to check whether individuals can safely and effectively perform their designated tasks. 

The screenings involve private discussions between the worker and a medical professional. These assessments pinpoint workplace hazards and determine how they might affect an employee’s health. Both before starting a job and during employment, these checks play a crucial role in keeping workplaces safe and employees healthy.

What is a FACIS Level 3 Background Check License Number?

In a FACIS Level 3 Background Check, they use something called a license number. Think of it like a special ID for professionals. When people say they have a license for a job, this check makes sure it’s real and still good. This helps companies know they’re hiring people who are honest and can legally do the job.

How Much Does a Level 3 Background Check Cost?

The price for a Level 3 Background Check isn’t fixed; it hinges on what you’re looking for and where you’re getting it. Factors such as the thoroughness of the check, the sector you’re in, and employer-specific requirements can influence the final price. It’s wise for potential users to research and compare offerings to ensure they get the most value for their investment.

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Recap On Level 3 Background Check

In our exploration of background checks, the Level 3 Background Check emerged as a pivotal tool for employers aiming for thorough vetting. This comprehensive check offers a deep dive into an individual’s history, covering everything from criminal records to educational verifications. 

We highlighted three standout services for employers who require an online platform to facilitate these checks. TruthFinder stands out for its detailed investigations, HireImage is tailored for job-specific screenings, and SterlingCheck is celebrated for its all-encompassing verification processes. 

Fully understanding background checks is key to fostering a transparent and safe professional environment. Make informed decisions, ensuring your workplace remains both trusted and secure.

Disclaimer: The resources provided here are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. If you have specific legal questions, we advise you to consult your own counsel to be in compliance with applicable laws.