Personally, I don't take provider referrals. For starters, many providers travel and have busy schedules. It could take several days before I get a response (if at all). I work alone and don't know any of the other ladies. How do I know if there definition of an acceptable client is the same as mine? When I receive a request from another provider for a referral, I'm happy to give them whatever information I can, however; this is often a bit problematic. I don't keep records dating back a long time as to whom I've seen. When a client I saw one time over six months ago gives my name as a referral, I often can't remember who he is or anything about him. Furthermore, if LE really wanted to, it wouldn't be too difficult for them to set somebody up using a fake referral. The general name, number, and work information is more than adequate. If the lady is in doubt, ask the guy for a government issued photo ID and a business card or recent pay-stub with his name and work affiliation on it.

Re: Background???

I also had a bad experience some time ago.  They would not accept either date-check or rs2k.  I checked with one well known local provider I know and she said they had treated her badly at one point so she didn't want to provide a reference for them.  I respect that.  BUt why not date-check?  Furthermore, as already noted, the phone lady was rude with me as well.