Criminal Checks, Abuse Registries, Exclusions and Credentials: What Each Covers
Plain comparison of four caregiver screening sources: what each search finds, what it misses and when it applies.
Short answer
What is the difference between a criminal check, an abuse registry search, an exclusion check and a credential check?
A criminal check finds court records of charges and convictions. An abuse or neglect registry lists people with substantiated findings from a state agency, which may never have reached a court. An exclusion check shows whether a person is barred from federal or state health care programs. A credential check confirms a license or certification is valid and in good standing. Each covers a different gap, so one does not replace another.
Why caregivers need more than one source
A caregiver can have a substantiated abuse finding without a criminal case, or a health care exclusion without either. Licensed staff can also have a lapsed or restricted license that no court record would reveal.
What each search covers
| Search | What it finds | What it misses | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal history | Charges and convictions in searched courts | Administrative findings; courts not searched | County, state and federal courts |
| Abuse / neglect registry | Substantiated agency findings | Findings in other states; restricted-access registries | State agencies (access varies by state) |
| OIG / SAM exclusions | Exclusion from federal health care programs or federal contracts | State-only exclusions unless state lists are searched | HHS OIG LEIE; SAM.gov |
| Credential verification | License status, expiration, discipline | Unlicensed conduct | State licensing boards |
Frequently asked questions
Is FACIS® the same as an OIG check?
FACIS® searches include OIG and SAM plus state exclusion and disciplinary sources, so it is broader than an OIG check alone.
Do these searches need FCRA consent?
When a consumer reporting agency compiles them for employment decisions, FCRA disclosure and authorization apply. Checking a public list yourself is treated differently; ask counsel.
Can an old finding disqualify someone?
Some state laws bar specific findings for specific roles. Otherwise, the EEOC recommends weighing the nature of the conduct, time elapsed and the job.
Related tools and guides
Sources
- HHS OIG — List of Excluded Individuals/Entities
- SAM.gov — federal exclusion records
- 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7a — civil monetary penalties, including employing excluded persons (Cornell LII)
- 15 U.S.C. § 1681b — disclosure, authorization and adverse action (Cornell LII)
- EEOC — Enforcement Guidance on Arrest and Conviction Records (2012)
Published and last reviewed October 5, 2026.