Accountability Best Practices

Reference Checking

• Department of Health and Hospitals
  (Report Issued August of 2001)
  Contact Person:  Nancy Fleming, Human Resources Director  (225) 342-6477 

  On September 30, 2003, DHH issued its “DHH Policy on Conducting and Providing Reference Checks,” which requires that a minimum of two (2) reference checks, including the last place of employment, shall be completed on individuals selected for appointment prior to making job offers.  The policy further includes and describes the use of the DHH Reference Check Form and provides to supervisors Frequently Asked Questions concerning providing reference information.

• Louisiana Special Education Center
  (Report issued March of 2003)
  Contact Person:  Deborah Carter, Human Resources Director
  (318) 487-5680

  Agency Policy #9 requires three written references must be provided for all applicants prior to employment and that the Director of Employee Administration must obtain a reference from each candidate’s most recent employer.  Employee Administration staff solicits reference checks from all previous employers of the applicant for whom  duties similar to the vacant position were performed.

• Department of Natural Resources
  (Report issued March 2001)
  Contact Person: Anne Tillman, Human Resources Director
  (225) 342-5467

  DNR conducts reference checks for all new hires. Before appointment, an internal auditor verifies educational credentials and licensure and at least one employment reference of each candidate selected for hire.

• LSU HSC/HCSD E. A. Conway Medical Center
  (Report issued January 2002)
  Contact Person: Martha Graham, Human Resources Manager
  (318) 330-7236

  As a general practice, the HR Department at E. A. Conway Medical Center conducts a minimum of two employment reference checks on all applicants recommended for hire.