Unmasking Hidden Risks: The Power of FACIS

by | Jul 19, 2024

The Challenge

Healthcare organizations face the critical challenge of vetting potential hires not only for their qualifications but also for any legal and ethical discrepancies that could compromise patient safety and the institution’s reputation. Given the complexity of healthcare regulations and the potential for applicants to have adverse records in different jurisdictions, Tabb Inc. sought to enhance its screening process to uncover deeply hidden information that standard background checks might miss.

 

“The surface-level checks just weren’t enough for the critical roles our clients need to fill. With FACIS®, we’re not just ticking boxes; we’re ensuring the safety and integrity of the healthcare workforce.” – Brian Bodkin, Founder Tabb Inc.

 

The Solution

Tabb Inc. integrated FACIS® (Fraud and Abuse Control Information System), a comprehensive sanction and exclusion database for healthcare providers, into its vetting process. FACIS® offers an unparalleled depth of data on disciplinary actions ranging across federal and state levels, enabling a meticulous examination of a candidate’s history beyond basic requirements. FACIS® entered the market in 1993. FACIS began collecting data from license boards, the Office of Inspector General, and other federal data publishers. The database was soon recognized as the gold standard for exclusion, debarment, sanction, and disciplinary action records. FACIS continues to grow by adding data sources to become the most comprehensive database for exclusion, debarment, sanction, and disciplinary action records.

 

About The Client

Tabb Inc. is a pioneering background check company that specializes in the healthcare sector. Renowned for its commitment to utmost diligence and integrity, Tabb Inc. serves a wide range of healthcare organizations, ensuring they hire only the most qualified and reputable personnel.

 

Discovering Hidden Discrepancies in a Candidate’s Background Check

Upon receiving a background check request for a senior pharmacist candidate from a prestigious hospital, Tabb Inc., led by experienced manager Brian Bodkin, initiated a routine screening process enhanced with FACIS®. The candidate’s initial profile appeared impressive, showcasing extensive experience and numerous accolades. However, leveraging the in-depth analysis capabilities of FACIS®, Tabb Inc. delved deeper into the candidate’s history, revealing a series of alarming discrepancies:

  • Double Identity: The candidate had manipulated personal information to create a dual identity, effectively concealing a history of fraud and legal sanctions in another state.
  • Comprehensive Review: Further investigation using FACIS® uncovered the legal issues and fraudulent activities associated with the candidate’s concealed identity, information that standard checks would likely have missed.

“Upon discovering the double identity, we knew something was off. It was clear that without FACIS®, this would have been missed. It shows you just how deep you have to dig sometimes to find the truth.”   – Brian Bodkin, Founder Tabb Inc.

 

FACIS® Provided Tabb Inc. With The Evidence Needed To Recommend Against Hiring The Candidate

The exhaustive background check leveraging FACIS® provided Tabb Inc. with the evidence needed to recommend against hiring the candidate. The hospital, acting on Tabb Inc.’s report, revoked the job offer, thereby avoiding potential risks to patient safety and safeguarding its reputation. This case highlighted the critical importance of employing advanced background checks in the healthcare hiring process and solidified Tabb Inc.’s reputation as a leader in its field.

“This case was a real eye-opener for both us and the hospital. It highlighted the necessity of thorough background checks in healthcare. The stakes are simply too high.” – Brian Bodkin

 

Cost vs. Value Consideration

The financial considerations of healthcare institutions are understandably pivotal in decision-making processes, including those surrounding hiring practices. Healthcare organizations, in an attempt to be cost-conscious, often opt for more affordable background checks that meet minimum legal requirements. However, this cost-saving measure can inadvertently lead to significant gaps in screening potential employees. The choice between cost and value becomes starkly apparent in this context. While initial investments in advanced background solutions, such as FACIS®, might be higher, the value they bring transcends their price tag, offering a compelling return on investment.

Advanced background checks, facilitated by solutions like FACIS®, provide a holistic view of a candidate’s history. Unlike basic screenings that might miss critical data, FACIS® draws from an expansive array of sources, including both state-level resources and historical data that might not be immediately visible or accessible through other means. This comprehensive approach ensures that healthcare institutions are not blindsided by omissions or inaccuracies in a candidate’s history, safeguarding against potential risks that could emanate from hiring decisions based on incomplete information.

Brian Bodkin of Tabb Inc. illustrates this point, emphasizing that,”Investing in FACIS® is not merely a financial decision; it’s a strategic one aimed at ensuring the long-term safety and integrity of healthcare services. The cost is minimal when weighed against the potential repercussions of hiring based on insufficient or inaccurate background checks.”

He further advises that organizations need to look beyond the Office of Inspector General (OIG) exclusions, which are often a lagging indicator of a provider’s suitability and compliance.

The proactive use of FACIS® by Tabb Inc. in this case study demonstrates the significant advantage of employing comprehensive data in healthcare background checks

In the healthcare sector, where the stakes involve human lives and the welfare of communities, the argument for enhanced due diligence is compelling. The slightly higher upfront cost of deploying a tool like FACIS® is offset by the significantly improved comprehensiveness of the screening data obtained. This ensures that healthcare organizations can make informed hiring decisions, ultimately fostering a safer and more trustworthy environment for patients and staff alike. The narrative around cost versus value in background screening within healthcare must shift towards a broader understanding of risk management and safety. Bodkin’s experience and Tabb Inc.’s implementation of FACIS® stand as a testament to the prudent approach of prioritizing comprehensive vetting over short-term cost savings. This move not only aligns with the ethical obligations of healthcare providers but also contributes to the long-term sustainability and reputation of institutions by preventing costly oversight.

The proactive use of FACIS® by Tabb Inc. in this case study demonstrates the significant advantage of employing comprehensive data in healthcare background checks. By uncovering a candidate’s hidden history of fraud and sanctions, Tabb Inc. not only protected a client from a potentially harmful hire but also underscored the value of diligence and integrity in healthcare employment practices. This successful outcome reinforces the necessity for healthcare organizations to partner with background check providers that go beyond minimum legal requirements to ensure a safe and reputable hiring process.

“Partnering with FACIS® has fundamentally transformed how we approach background checks, ensuring we offer our clients and their patients the highest standard of protection.”- Brian Bodkin, Founder Tabb Inc.

About the Author: Verisys

Verisys empowers healthcare organizations with real-time, verified data solutions for compliance, credentialing, and risk mitigation. Our advanced tools ensure patient safety, streamline hiring, manage payment integrity, and enhance clinical compliance.
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