Background Check Policy 

I.  Purpose of the Policy: Florida Law restricts access to children, elderly, and disabled patients by persons convicted of specific misdemeanors and felonies (Chapter 435 Florida Statutes). This law places restrictions on all health care facilities, which in turn require students to comply with the same restrictions as their employees and volunteers.  

A  level-two background check to include fingerprinting and drug screening is required of all applicants prior to admission to the College of Nursing.   In addition,  all students are required to repeat the background check yearly during the clinical portion of the program (BSN, MSN, Post-graduate certificate or DNP) to include fingerprinting  and drug testing.   

Each nursing program has required coursework that involves patient contact such as practice in a health care facility, conducting a research study or project, or interfacing with patients individually or collectively. Partnering agencies where students receive nursing practice experiences also now require background checks, as well as additional information such as arrests without convictions, verification of employment, and social security verification, aimed at protecting the public. 

If any applicant's background check indicates a history that that might prevent participation in a nursing practice component of the program, a Review Committee will consider the applicant's individual situation and make a decision about admission in the program. All court/adjudication records will be required to be submitted for review. 

If the background check results in a current student being denied admission to a clinical agency and/or access to patients in the agency, and if a comparable assignment cannot be made to meet course objectives, the academic requirements of the program cannot be met, and the student will be denied progression in the College of Nursing resulting in withdrawal or dismissal from the program. 

Students have the responsibility to disclose to the College of Nursing any arrest or criminal charges. Upon disclosure, a repeat background check may be required. Disclosure of arrest and/or conviction information could affect successful progression in the Nursing Program. 
 
II. Definitions  (Define any terms that may be unique to interpreting the policy).  
Level II Background - Level II screening is a comprehensive criminal background screening that includes fingerprint-based check for statewide criminal history records through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and national criminal history records through the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  

III.  Procedures  
1. Upon conditional admission to a nursing program, students are notified via email of the Level II background check, fingerprinting, and drug screening requirements along with instructions on completion of all components through American Databank/Complio.  
2. If an applicant's background check indicates a history that that might prevent participation in a nursing practice component of the program, a request will be made to submit court/adjudication records, and a Review Committee will consider the applicant's individual situation and make a decision about full admission in the program.  
3. The semester prior to a student entering the clinical component of the nursing program, they will receive notification of the need to complete a new Level II background check, to include fingerprinting and drug screening. Thereafter, students in the clinical component of the program will be notified of the need for the yearly Level II background check to include fingerprinting and drug screening. 
 
IV.  Location of Policy on Website 
Student Handbooks 
 
V.  Appendices  
(Any Related Documents to facilitate understanding or provide context)  
Chapter 435 Florida Statutes

Florida Board of Nursing Website 
https://floridasnursing.gov/ 
 
VI.  History and Updates (Provide history of promulgation and revision of the policy) 

Date Issued: April 16, 2024
Date Last Revised: