NAPBS Code of Ethics
The National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS) was established to promote ethical, legal, and moral business practices throughout the employment and tenant screening industries, as well as to ensure complete understanding of, and compliance with, all federal, state and local consumer reporting laws. NAPBS further exists to foster awareness among members, their clients, and the general public, of the importance of proper handling and protection of confidential consumer information. In recognition of the industry's overall obligations to the public, employers, clients, employees and the industry as a whole, NAPBS adopts the following Code of Ethics.
As a member of the National Association of Professional Background Screeners, you pledge to uphold the tenets of the NAPBS Code of Ethics as follows. All members of NAPBS will:
1. Perform professional duties in compliance with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act and all international, federal, state and local laws as they pertain to the background screening and consumer reporting industries.
2. Protect confidential consumer identification information through all reasonable means available, including physical and network security systems and proper document storage and destruction procedures.
3. Avoid misrepresentations and adhere to accepted industry standards regarding fair and accurate disclosure of products and services, as well as the scope and limitations of information provided from those products.
4. Maintain procedures and controls which direct and guide the process of providing accurate, relevant, reliable and complete information, without bias, for the purpose of formulating decisions including approval or denial of employment or tenancy.
5. Educate clients on their obligations under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and all applicable state and local laws.
6. Act with integrity, dignity, competence, and in an ethical manner at all times when dealing with fellow members of the organization.
7. Maintain an appropriate level of professional competence by ongoing development of knowledge and skills. Pursue regular continuing education on all issues relevant to the background screening and consumer reporting industries.
8. Render services competently with integrity, fairness, and truthfulness, to instill a strong sense of trust and confidence among clients, peers and all members of the general public.
9. Avoid actual or apparent conflicts of interest and advise all appropriate parties of potential conflicts.
10. Practice and encourage others to practice in a professional and ethical manner that will reflect positively on all members and the profession.