Practices varied among providers. Some conduct credit checks as part of pre-employment screening for positions with direct financial responsibility (controllers, bookkeepers, finance directors), while others do not.

Key points from provider responses:
– Credit checks are not mandated by Arkansas DDS for IDD provider staff, but are a permissible additional screening step for positions handling finances.
– Providers who conduct credit checks commonly use services such as Checkr, First Advantage, Sterling, or the background check add-on through their payroll provider (e.g., ADP, Paychex).
– Most providers perform a “soft” credit inquiry (does not affect the applicant’s credit score) for employment purposes.
– Written authorization from the applicant is **required** under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) before running a credit check — use a standalone authorization form separate from the general employment application.
– Adverse action procedures (pre-adverse action notice, adverse action letter) must be followed if a credit check is used as a basis for not hiring.