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Background Checks (and Drug Tests) for Volunteers

Churches, youth clubs, nonprofits and hospital volunteer programs often want to screen the people who help them, especially volunteers who work with children or patients. There are three common routes: a free public sex offender search, a background check through a screening company, and, in some states, a fingerprint check through a state program. This guide explains each, what federal rules touch volunteers, and how a Pact order works. If your league, denomination or insurer names a specific screening company, use that company. This is not legal advice.

Updated October 14, 2026 · Checked against the official sources listed at the end

First: does someone already require a vendor?

Some youth sports bodies, church denominations, insurers and hospitals set their own screening rules and name the company to use. If yours does, use that company and that package. A check from a different company may not count.

If no one names a vendor, the options below are yours to choose from.

Free option: the national sex offender website

The Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) is run by the U.S. Department of Justice in partnership with state, territorial and tribal governments. It searches sex offender registries for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories and Indian Country. It is free, and no membership is required.

Two limits to know. NSOPW searches each jurisdiction's registry in real time rather than keeping one national database, and it tells users to verify results with the jurisdiction that posted them. And it only covers registered sex offenders. It is not a criminal history search.

Our guide to sex offender registry checks explains how this free search differs from the registry search in a background check.

A background check through a screening company

A background check from a consumer reporting agency covers more than the registry. Pact's Standard package ($32) includes an SSN trace, a national criminal search, a sex offender registry search and a global watchlist search. Premium ($70) adds a county criminal search covering the last 7 years and a FACIS Level 3 healthcare sanctions search, which fits hospital and healthcare volunteers.

Do the FCRA's employment rules apply to volunteers? The statute defines "employment purposes" as evaluating someone for employment, promotion, reassignment or retention as an employee (15 U.S.C. 1681a(h)). An FTC staff report reads that term liberally and says it includes a nonprofit organization staffed in whole or in part by volunteers. Staff views are not binding law, so ask your attorney.

Either way, a Pact order uses the same steps. Checkr emails the volunteer a secure link. They enter their own details and sign the disclosure and authorization on Checkr's site. Nothing runs before they consent. If something in the report may lead you to turn the volunteer away, following the FCRA adverse action steps is the careful route.

Orders are taken now and start when Pact's Checkr account opens; Checkr then emails the person.

State fingerprint programs for groups that serve children

Federal law lets states set up a fingerprint-based route for organizations that care for children, the elderly or people with disabilities. Under the National Child Protection Act, a state may let these "qualified entities" ask a state agency for a nationwide criminal history check on a covered person (34 U.S.C. 40102). The law's definition of a covered person includes someone who volunteers with, or seeks to volunteer with, a qualified entity (34 U.S.C. 40104).

The person must first provide fingerprints and sign a statement. They are entitled to a copy of the report and a way to challenge it. How to apply, and whether your state uses the program, depends on your state. Contact your state's criminal records agency.

A Pact check is not a fingerprint check and doesn't replace one where a law or licensing agency requires it.

Hospital and clinic volunteers: HIPAA applies

Under HIPAA, a covered entity's "workforce" includes employees, volunteers, trainees and others whose work is under its direct control, whether or not they are paid (45 CFR 160.103). So a hospital volunteer who may see patient information needs the same HIPAA training as staff. Pact sells an online HIPAA course for $34.95. Our HIPAA training guide covers what the rule requires.

Drug tests for volunteers

Some hospitals and programs also ask volunteers for a drug test. If yours does and doesn't name a lab, Pact sells a $40 non-DOT 10-panel urine drug test at Quest collection sites, ordered separately from the background check. Check the program's list of drugs against the panel before you order.

Keep it fair and consistent

Decide in writing which volunteer roles get which checks, for example everyone who is alone with children or patients. Then apply it the same way to everyone in that role. Store reports securely and limit who can see them.

Common questions

How do churches run background checks on volunteers?

Many use the screening company their denomination or insurer names. Others use a free NSOPW search, a background check through a screening company, or a state fingerprint program where one is available.

Is there a free background check for volunteers?

The national sex offender website (NSOPW) is free, but it only covers registered sex offenders. It is not a criminal history search.

Does the FCRA apply to volunteer background checks?

An FTC staff report says "employment purposes" includes a nonprofit organization staffed in whole or in part by volunteers. Staff views aren't binding, so ask your attorney. Pact orders use disclosure and consent either way.

What about volunteer coaches?

Check with your league or national governing body first. Many name their own screening company. If none is named, a Pact Standard or Premium check is an option.

Do hospital volunteers need HIPAA training?

HIPAA's definition of workforce includes volunteers (45 CFR 160.103). Hospitals usually require training before volunteers start.

Can a volunteer order their own check?

Yes. Anyone can order through Pact and name the organization at checkout so the report goes to it as well. All sales are final.