Preemployment Screening and Testing: Tennessee

Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.

Author: Christine P. Corrigan, CPC Writing Services

Summary

• Tennessee law permits any individual to request and receive a copy of the criminal conviction record of another. Applicants for employment with school districts, and certain health care providers also must undergo criminal background checks. See Criminal History Checks.
• Applicants for employment with school districts and certain health care providers must undergo criminal background checks as a condition of employment. See Mandatory Background Checks.
• Tennessee has enacted a voluntary, comprehensive drug free workplace program law. If an employer has a drug free workplace program, all applicants must undergo drug testing. See Drug and Alcohol Testing.
• Insurance providers in Tennessee are prohibited from requiring individuals to disclose genetic information. See Genetic Testing.
• Tennessee recognizes a cause of action for negligent hiring. See Negligent Hiring.
• However, an employer may use a certificate of employability to defeat a negligent hiring claim in certain circumstances. See Certificate of Employability.