With companies facing hacking and age-old threats like workplace violence, a thorough system for screening out problem employees is more important than ever. But a laudable push by policymakers to get people “back to work” and make progress on issues such as wage disparities and job discrimination is putting greater restrictions on what employers can do as part of the vetting process. These expanding restrictions put employers in a difficult position because a bad employee is more than just a business risk-a bad employee can pose legal risks as well. This article provides employers with some basic principles to keep in mind when navigating the labyrinth of local, state and federal laws and regulations dealing with background checks.Background checks are no longer just a human resources concern. In today’s environment, getting them right is a challenge that requires the attention of the organization’s entire leadership.