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Defamation Laws: Federal and state-specific laws regarding truthful statements and protection against libel. Business reference letters must contain factual, verifiable information to avoid potential defamation claims.

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Federal law that must be considered if the reference is employment-related, governing the collection, dissemination, and use of consumer information.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): Federal regulations prohibiting discriminatory statements in reference letters based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, religion, or disability.

Privacy Laws: Including FERPA for educational information and state-specific privacy regulations. Requires consent for sharing personal information and proper handling of confidential data.

Negligent Referral Doctrine: Legal principle requiring disclosure of known dangerous behaviors or critical information to avoid potential liability for omission of important facts.

Company Policy Compliance: Internal organizational policies and procedures regarding reference letters, including confidentiality agreements and standardized reference-giving practices.

Written Consent Requirement: Best practice requiring written permission from the subject before providing a reference to protect against privacy violations and potential legal issues.

Record Keeping Requirements: Maintaining accurate records of all references provided, including copies of letters, consent forms, and any related correspondence for legal protection.