MN SF588

By January 1, 2018, all health-related licensing boards must require applicants for initial licensure, licensure by endorsement, or relicensure to submit to criminal history records checks through the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Applicants must resubmit to a criminal background check if more than one year has elapsed since their last check; health-related licensing boards may also require checks if they have reasonable cause to believe a licensee has been charged with or convicted of a crime.

Applicants and licensees are responsible for all fees associated with fingerprinting and criminal background checks; boards cannot issue licenses to applicants who refuse consent or fail to submit fingerprints within 90 days, and any paid fees are forfeited.

Prior to taking disciplinary action based on criminal conviction, boards must provide applicants or licensees 30 calendar days to challenge the accuracy of the criminal history report, with up to 180 days to contest it with the responsible agency.

Health-related licensing boards must collaborate with the Commissioner of Human Services and BCA to develop a plan by January 1, 2017 for conducting background checks on all current licensees licensed before the effective date.