Blog
Employment applications can ask about criminal convictions, not arrest history
- By: Nadine L. Grosso
- On: 02/27/2019 15:49:26
- In: MHCA E-News for week of February 8, 2019
In terms of arrest history, both the Maine Human Rights Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission take the position that inquiries about arrest records are not appropriate because of the disproportionate impact on racial minorities.
Therefore, according to Olivier, “while it is still permissible for Maine employers hiring Maine employees to ask questions about criminal convictions on a job application, they should not be asking questions about arrest history.”
Upon offer of employment contingent upon a clear background check, long term care facilities are mandated to use the Maine Background Check Center for screening. The Center provides a template employer packet that includes release materials for candidates to authorize release of information. This can be found at: DHHS/MBC/content/EmployerPacket.
Staff Contact:
Nadine Grosso
Vice President & Director of Communications
ngrosso@mehca.org