I’ve got a small business and often work as a 1099 contractor. Recently heard that companies might ask for drug tests or background checks even for contractors. Is this common? Anyone have experience with this?
Yeah, it depends on the industry. Jobs in finance or healthcare often require it because of safety or trust issues.
Luca said:
Yeah, it depends on the industry. Jobs in finance or healthcare often require it because of safety or trust issues.
Got it. So they focus more on the job type than anything else?
@Drew
Exactly. If there’s sensitive data or safety risks, they’re more likely to test.
In Florida, companies can ask for these tests, but they’ve got to follow privacy rules and notify you.
Jamie said:
In Florida, companies can ask for these tests, but they’ve got to follow privacy rules and notify you.
So they can’t just spring it on you out of nowhere?
Jamie said:
In Florida, companies can ask for these tests, but they’ve got to follow privacy rules and notify you.
So they can’t just spring it on you out of nowhere?
Right, they have to let you know first and do it by the book. Same for background checks.
FYI, background checks are covered under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. They need your OK before running one.
Skyler said:
FYI, background checks are covered under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. They need your OK before running one.
What’s the Fair Credit Reporting Act though?
Skyler said:
FYI, background checks are covered under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. They need your OK before running one.
What’s the Fair Credit Reporting Act though?
It’s a law that ensures they notify you and get your consent for background checks.
Skyler said:
FYI, background checks are covered under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. They need your OK before running one.
What’s the Fair Credit Reporting Act though?
That’s good to know. I’ll watch for that in contracts.
Check the contract carefully. They usually spell out what’s required for testing and background checks.
Lior said:
Check the contract carefully. They usually spell out what’s required for testing and background checks.
Good call. I’ve skimmed through contracts too quickly before, lol.
@Drew
Haha, same. But yeah, it’s worth slowing down for stuff like this.
For some companies, it’s about minimizing risk. They want to make sure contractors are reliable, especially in sensitive roles.
Clarke said:
For some companies, it’s about minimizing risk. They want to make sure contractors are reliable, especially in sensitive roles.
That’s fair. It makes sense for roles with high responsibility.