Many organizations refuse to provide a job reference for a present or former employee for fear of being sued if the reference is not uniformly positive. An organization can invite trouble if it gives references to some employees (with positive employment experience) and refuses to give references for other employees (those who would not get a good reference).

As a result, NPCs may want to err on the side of caution and only confirm dates of employment, positions held, and final rate of pay. If an NPC wants to share additional information with prospective employers on a case-by-case basis, former employees can facilitate the process by signing an authorization to release information to prospective employers. However, an NPC should reserve the right to share information concerning former employees whenever it determines the requester has a legitimate need to know information about a former employee. Be aware that other individuals may be giving references on behalf of the NPC without the knowledge or approval of the NPC. It may be better to have a policy that provides some protection rather than one that no one follows.