KY HB657

Requires national and state criminal background checks via fingerprinting through Kentucky State Police and FBI for initial license applicants, license reinstatement applicants, and those seeking interstate compact practice privileges in five professions: psychology, occupational therapy, audiology/speech-language pathology, social work, and professional counseling

Background check results must be sent to the relevant licensing board for applicant screening, with results kept confidential except when provided to the applicant upon request or introduced under seal in disciplinary proceedings

Fees charged for background checks cannot exceed the actual cost of processing and conducting the investigation

Boards may require background checks for licensees who are subjects of misconduct complaints or grievances, but cannot require checks solely for license renewal purposes

Each licensing board must promulgate administrative regulations under KRS Chapter 13A to implement these requirements