Screening Companies Take Note: Our Top 3 Takeaways from the PBSA Midyear Conference

From catching up with current clients to forging new partnerships, we had a great time connecting with professionals from the screening industry at this year's 2025 PBSA Midyear Conference. It was also an excellent opportunity to see where Omni Data Retrieval fits into the picture as a top data and public records provider – not to mention a great chance to learn how we can better service our screening clients.

Omni Data Retrieval attends PBSA‘s mid-year event annually to gain insights into the industry's legislative impacts. This year was packed with many notable takeaways, and we wanted to share our experience with you. We narrowed our list to three key trends we found noteworthy in driving the industry in 2025.  

1: Compliance Trends Shaping 2025

From state-level AI regulations to salary history bans, 2024 changed how CRAs use consumer data and reports. At this year's PBSA event, speakers discussed several regulations affecting hiring and the information available for consumer reporting agencies. Sessions like "Who's Afraid of Little Old State Law" and the "U.S. Legislative Update" gave consumer reporting agencies deeper insights into the latest changes shaping hiring and employment for their clients. 

One of the most notable legal trends affecting CRA data use in 2025 is the rise of consumer data privacy policies in states like Nebraska, Iowa, Delaware, New Jersey, and New Hampshire. Depending on the state, these laws change how CRAs manage consumer data use. They include new timelines for responding to consumer requests and limitations on what kind of consumer data can be collected and processed.  

Florida has also made notable changes to screening regulations that could affect CRAs, including a new Level 2 Screening requirement for certain volunteer positions and expanded screening regulations for healthcare workers. 

While many new laws are geared directly toward employers during the hiring and employment process, a recent Consumer Financial Protection Bureau decision may change how CRAs provide reports to their clients. On January 7, 2025, the CFPB finalized the rule to remove medical bills from U.S. Credit Reports. Under the new rule, consumer reporting agencies will no longer be able to include medical debt in consumer reports. 

2: AI and Background Screening Technology

Beyond discussing the potential compliance challenges of new technology for consumer reporting agencies and their clients, speakers and exhibitors presented new industry-specific solutions for streamlining the screening process. AI certainly isn't anything new, but the way we saw exhibitors leverage it for screening and reporting has evolved since 2024. AI's potential for automating data analysis, risk analysis, improving predictive modeling, and even reducing the risk of human error to help CRAs remain compliant with evolving regulations was a recurring topic at the PBSA Mid-Year Conference.  

With the increase in demand and performance expectations for speed and accuracy, leveraging new tech and artificial intelligence has become a natural route to streamline background check services, speed up the turnaround time, and give employers the results they need. AI continues to grow, and it's expected to play a growing role in consumer reporting and data by enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency. Speeding up processing and reducing errors frees CRAs up to increase revenue and provide faster turnaround times for clients.  

One of the best ways to increase efficiency is with reliable data sourcing from the start. Partnering with a data provider like Omni that equips you with customization and tools to help you support your clients can go a long way toward increasing efficiency and speeding up your process. 

3: The Future of Consumer Data and Public Record Access

Limited court record access, expungement trends, and other data restrictions can impact how your background screening company sources and presents information to your clients. As the screening industry evolves, the way consumer reporting companies think about leveraging their data provider should, too. This is where Omni Data Retrieval fits into the picture. At Omni, we recognize that quick turnaround times and low costs are important to your customers. Our customizable data solutions are flexible and built to cater to your unique needs, ensuring you receive only the most relevant information. Here's how our robust customization options can benefit you and your clients: 

A System that Simplifies and Centralizes Data 

Omni offers established integrations with some of the most relevant background screening platforms, making it easier to manage data. For CRAs that use a proprietary platform, we offer 1-to-1 technology integrations to help you simplify and speed up your internal processes. This means our developers can connect your systems for seamless data flow. Centralizing your data reduces the need for back-and-forth communication with multiple sources, allowing your team to focus on producing the reports your clients need.  

Save Time and Reduce Costs 

Tailored solutions mean you only invest in relevant data. We help you save time by narrowing searches to the specific public records and data needed to fulfill your clients' orders, optimize resource allocation, and reduce costs by paying only for what you need.  

Tools to Give You and Your Clients Peace of Mind 

Our ETA tool provides estimated delivery dates whenever you place an order, keeping you in the loop and helping you to keep clients informed so they know what to expect next. Plus, you receive proactive updates on: 

• Remote jurisdictions 
• Courthouse resource limitations 
• Weather delays 

Transparent reporting helps you stay informed on your data metrics. Monthly, quarterly, and annual performance summaries  provide insights on: 

• On-Time Delivery Performance 
• Time Service Metrics 
• Order Volumes 
• Hit Ratios 

Omni Data Retrieval is committed to providing relevant and consistent data retrieval and public record solutions. Our flexible and transparent structure was built to evolve with you as the screening industry changes, and our goal is to help you keep your business ahead of the curve.  

Even if you couldn’t attend the PBSA midyear event, we hope to see you at PBSA’s Annual Conference this October in Anaheim! Want to learn more about Omni Data Retrieval before then? Discover the OMNI difference. 

Consumer Reporting Agencies (CRAs) are encouraged to collaborate with their legal counsel to establish optimal data use and reporting policies. Omni Data Retrieval does not make any decisions about data quality or accuracy. It is important for all data retrieval clients to adopt a careful and strategically planned approach to ensure compliance with the applicable Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) guidelines and relevant local laws concerning data.