Facis is an essential background screening tool used in the United States, especially in healthcare, government, and corporate sectors. It helps organizations verify whether an individual or entity has been involved in fraud, exclusions, or sanctions. Employers, healthcare providers, and government agencies use Facis checks to ensure compliance and protect against hiring individuals with past violations. In this article, we will explore Facis in detail, covering its meaning, importance, different levels, and how to obtain a Facis report.
What Does Facis Mean?
Facis stands for Fraud and Abuse Control Information System. It is a comprehensive database that collects and maintains records of individuals and entities involved in fraud, misconduct, exclusions, and disciplinary actions. These records come from multiple sources, including federal and state agencies, licensing boards, and other regulatory bodies.
Facis is widely used in background screening to ensure organizations do not hire or work with individuals who have been penalized for fraud or misconduct. It helps employers make informed hiring decisions and ensures compliance with legal and industry regulations.
Why Is Facis Important?
Facis plays a crucial role in maintaining integrity, compliance, and safety across various industries, especially healthcare. Here are some key reasons why Facis checks are important:
- Protects Organizations from Legal Issues – Hiring individuals with past fraud or sanctions can result in hefty fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage.
- Ensures Compliance with Regulations – Many industries, especially healthcare, require strict compliance with federal and state regulations. Facis helps ensure organizations meet these requirements.
- Prevents Financial and Ethical Risks – Employers can avoid financial losses and ethical concerns by screening employees and business partners thoroughly.
- Enhances Patient and Public Safety – In healthcare, Facis checks help prevent hiring practitioners with a history of malpractice, ensuring safer patient care.
Who Needs Facis Checks?
Facis checks are commonly used by various industries and organizations that require thorough background screening. The following groups benefit the most from Facis reports:
Healthcare Providers
Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities use Facis to screen doctors, nurses, caregivers, and administrative staff. Since the healthcare industry is highly regulated, employers must ensure their employees do not have a history of fraud, abuse, or malpractice.
Employers & Companies
Many companies conduct Facis checks as part of their hiring process, especially in industries where compliance is critical. Employers want to ensure they do not hire individuals with past disciplinary actions, which could lead to future legal or ethical problems.
Government & Organizations
Government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and regulatory bodies use Facis checks to verify the backgrounds of employees, contractors, and vendors. Since these entities deal with public funds and services, background screening is essential to prevent fraud and misconduct.
How Does a Facis Check Work?
A Facis check is conducted by searching a vast database of records that include:
- Federal and state exclusion lists
- Disciplinary actions from licensing boards
- Fraud and abuse cases
- Sanctions imposed by regulatory agencies
Employers or background check companies submit an individual’s or entity’s details, and the system cross-checks the information against multiple sources. The results indicate whether the individual has been involved in any exclusions, fraud, or disciplinary actions.
Facis Levels Explained
Facis reports come in different levels, depending on how extensive the background check needs to be. Here are the common levels of Facis screening:
- Facis Level 1 – Basic screening that includes federal-level exclusions and sanctions.
- Facis Level 2 – Includes all Level 1 checks plus additional state-level records.
- Facis Level 3 – A more detailed check that includes federal, state, and some licensing board records.
- Facis Level 4 – The most comprehensive check, covering federal, state, local, and extensive disciplinary records from various sources.
The level of Facis screening an organization chooses depends on the industry, compliance requirements, and risk tolerance.
How to Get a Facis Report?
To obtain a Facis report, organizations typically work with background check providers who have access to the Facis database. The process generally includes the following steps:
- Select a Background Screening Company – Choose a reliable provider that offers Facis checks.
- Submit Information – Provide details of the individual or entity to be screened.
- Database Search – The provider runs the information through the Facis database.
- Receive a Report – A detailed report is generated, indicating any exclusions, sanctions, or disciplinary actions.
- Review and Take Action – Employers use the report to make hiring or compliance decisions.
Facis vs. Other Background Checks
While Facis is an essential screening tool, it is often used in combination with other background checks to provide a complete picture of an individual’s history.
Criminal Background Checks
A criminal background check reveals an individual’s past arrests, convictions, and legal issues. While Facis focuses on exclusions and sanctions, criminal background checks provide additional insight into any past offenses.
OIG Exclusions
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) Exclusions List includes individuals and entities barred from participating in federal healthcare programs. Facis includes OIG exclusions but goes beyond them by covering additional state and regulatory records.
Is Facis Mandatory?
Facis checks are not always mandatory, but they are highly recommended for industries that require strict compliance. In healthcare, for example, organizations must verify that employees and contractors are not on exclusion lists. Many government agencies and corporate employers also conduct Facis checks to reduce risks and ensure ethical business practices.
The Bottom Line
Facis is a critical tool for organizations that want to ensure compliance, avoid legal risks, and maintain ethical hiring practices. Whether you are in healthcare, government, or corporate sectors, running a Facis check can help you make informed decisions and protect your organization from fraud and misconduct.
By understanding Facis and its importance, employers can create a safer, more trustworthy work environment while ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
