Rescreening Vs. Continuous Monitoring: The Main Differences

Rescreening and continuous monitoring are two important methods for maintaining a safe and secure environment, but they are employed in different ways and at varying times. Rescreening involves conducting regular background checks on employees to verify they continue to meet business standards over time. Continuous monitoring provides real-time notifications of any changes in an employee’s background, allowing for ongoing supervision without the need for scheduled screenings. Understanding these differences helps managers select the most effective approach for managing risks, adhering to regulations, and ensuring employee honesty.

What Is Rescreening?

Rescreening is the process of periodically reviewing (annually, biennially) the backgrounds of current employees to ensure they continue to adhere to business policies, industry regulations, and security standards. Its purpose is to identify any new risks that have emerged since the initial hiring process, such as criminal activity, license expirations, or policy violations. Employers can create a safe and compliant workplace by rescreening employees, thereby reducing the risks that arise from not rescreening them after they join the company..

What Is The Importance Of Rescreening?

The importance of rescreening lies in its capacity to help businesses maintain a safe, compliant, and trustworthy workforce by identifying any new risks that have emerged since an employee was first hired. Rescreening employees on a regular basis can verify that they continue to meet industry standards, maintain their certifications up to date, and adhere to business policies. It helps reduce the chances of lawsuits, security risks, or reputational harm resulting from undisclosed criminal activity or other actions that threaten the safety and integrity of the workplace.

How Does Rescreening Work?

Rescreening involves conducting regular background checks on current employees to ensure they continue to adhere to business rules, industry standards, and applicable laws. Employers conduct rescreening on a set schedule, such as once a year or twice a year, or when certain events occur, including changes in a role, expiration of a security clearance, or when required by law in heavily regulated industries. The process involves adhering to the company’s background screening procedures. This includes obtaining consent to conduct the check, verifying updated criminal records, job history, certifications, and other relevant information to identify any new risks that may have emerged since the initial hiring..

What Are The Benefits Of Rescreening?

The benefits of rescreening are listed below.

  • Improved Workplace Safety: Regular rescreening helps identify any new criminal records, legal issues, or behavioral problems that pose a threat to the workplace, ensuring it remains safe for both workers and customers.
  • Enhance Compliance: Many fields, such as healthcare, finance, and transportation, have strict rules regarding the frequency of employee screenings. Rescreening helps businesses comply with these laws and avoid fines and other legal issues.
  • Protects Company Reputation: Employees represent the company, and their actions impact how the brand is perceived. Rescreening reduces risks by identifying potential problems early on, before they escalate and harm the company’s reputation.
  • Maintains Workforce Integrity: Rescreening verifies that employees continue to meet job-related requirements, adhere to ethical standards, and comply with business policies.
  • Reduces Liability Risks: Failing to rescreen workers can result in negligent retention lawsuits if a business hires individuals who are exhibiting red flags without being aware of it. 

What Is Continuous Monitoring?

Continuous monitoring is a process that continually reviews workers’ background information to identify any changes that may put the company at risk. Its purpose is to keep employers up to date on important issues, such as criminal behavior, license suspensions, or compliance violations, ensuring workplace safety and adherence to regulations. Continuous monitoring enables proactive risk management by identifying issues promptly, allowing employers to respond quickly when necessary.

What Is The Importance Of Continuous Monitoring?

The importance of continuous monitoring lies in its capacity to provide employers with up-to-date information on employees’ backgrounds in real-time, enabling them to identify potential risks as they emerge. Continuous monitoring enhances workplace safety, improves compliance with industry rules, and reduces liability by addressing issues such as criminal offenses, license expirations, or policy violations before they escalate. Companies can maintain a safe and reliable workplace by continually monitoring employee records, enabling them to make informed decisions that protect their business and clients.

How Does Continuous Monitoring Work?

Continuous monitoring works by continuously tracking and updating background information on employees in real-time, detecting any changes that affect safety, compliance, or integrity at work. The process involves connecting background check systems to databases maintained by law enforcement, licensing boards, or financial institutions, allowing employers to determine immediately any changes that occur.

What Are The Benefits Of Continuous Monitoring?

The benefits of continuous monitoring are listed below.

  • Enhances Workplace Security: Detects new criminal activities, legal issues, or misconduct, which helps keep the workplace safe.
  • Ensures Regulatory Compliance: The service helps companies meet the legal requirements of their industry by constantly checking employee records and credentials.
  • Protects Company Reputation: Identifies potential employee issues before they escalate, reducing the risk of damage to the company’s reputation.
  • Improves Risk Management: It enables companies to address new risks before they occur, thereby reducing the risk of liability and financial loss.
  • Maintains Workforce Integrity: Can assist with making sure employees adhere to ethical standards and act professionally, fostering trust within the company.

What Are The Main Differences Between Rescreening And Continuous Monitoring?

AspectsRescreeningContinuous Monitoring
DefinitionEvaluation of a person’s background on a regular basis after hiring themContinuous, real-time monitoring of a person’s background to identify any new risks
TimingConducted at scheduled intervals (e.g., annually)Continuously happens with automatic alerts
FrequencyOccasionally, as required by company policyOngoing, real-time updates on changes
Risk DetectionIdentifies risks only during screeningFinds risks as they happen, which cuts down on response time
ComplianceMakes sure that business rules are followed on a regular basisKeeps compliance going all the time, reducing gaps

How To Choose Between Rescreening And Continuous Monitoring?

To choose between rescreening and continuous monitoring, managers should analyze the regulations in their industry, what risks they are taking by not conducting either, and the type of employees they have. Rescreening is ideal for businesses that need to verify ongoing compliance on a regular basis, such as jobs with moderate risk exposure. Continuous monitoring is better suited for fields with stringent security and compliance requirements, where real-time alerts are necessary to identify potential threats promptly.

Are There Similarities Between Rescreening And Continuous Monitoring?

Yes, there are similarities between rescreening and continuous monitoring, as both are used to verify an employee’s background. Rescreening occurs on a regular basis, typically once a year or at predetermined intervals. Continuous monitoring provides real-time notifications about any new issues, such as suspicious activity or financial red flags. Both approaches help employers mitigate risks, maintain a safe workplace, and ensure workers remain fit for their jobs.

How Can Shield Screening Assist With Rescreening And Continuous Monitoring?

Shield Screening can assist with rescreening and continuous monitoring by offering thorough background check services that help businesses stay compliant, mitigate risks, and enhance workplace safety. Shield Screening’s rescreening and continuous monitoring services provide timely insights, enabling employers to be proactive against potential risks within their organization. 

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This material is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice, guidance, or counsel. Readers and/or companies need to consult their own legal counsel about their compliance responsibilities under the FCRA and applicable state and local laws. Shield Screening disclaims any responsibility or damages associated with or resulting from the information provided.

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