MD SB806

Requires criminal history records checks (fingerprinting and FBI background checks) for applicants seeking licenses or certificates from 12 Maryland health occupation boards, including Acupuncture, Dental Examiners, Dietetic Practice, Morticians, Nursing, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Podiatric Medicine, Psychologists, Environmental Health Specialists, and Residential Child Care Program Professionals.

Mandates that individuals licensed before the new requirements take effect must submit to criminal history records checks at their first renewal after January 1, 2028, with implementation dates varying by board (ranging from July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2027).

Establishes that boards may not issue, renew, or reinstate licenses if required criminal history record information has not been received, and requires the Central Repository to provide updated criminal history information to boards if new records are reported after initial checks.

Requires boards to consider mitigating factors when evaluating criminal history, including the applicant's age at the time of the crime, circumstances surrounding the offense, time elapsed since the crime, subsequent work history, and character references.

Takes effect June 1, 2026, and standardizes criminal history records check procedures across health boards by requiring submission to the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository with fingerprints and applicable state and federal processing fees.