How friendly are New York State Hospital employment applications to individuals with an incarceration history?

Abstract

Although discrimination on the basis of previous incarceration is illegal in New York, many employers still screen job applicants based on prior convictions. We conducted a study of New York State hospitals to examine the use of incarceration histories in online applications. Two-thirds of NYS hospitals asked questions about convictions. This was most common in hospitals located in suburban and rural areas. This practice may deny returning prisoners and their communities the numerous benefits of employment. Keywords: Formerly incarcerated, Employment, Community Health, Policies

Keywords

• formerly incarcerated
• employment
• community health
• health policy