Criminal Background Information
- How a Criminal History Can Affect the Licensure Process
- Potentially disqualifying conditions
- Criminal History/Background Check (State of Oregon Purpose and Scope)
General Information on the Criminal Background Check
The Nursing Program reserves the right to deny admission or continuation to any student whose background poses a threat to individuals, the college, the nursing profession, or the community.
All accepted students must complete a criminal background check and submit a "Criminal Background Check Statement of Understanding Agreement" to the Nursing program administrative assistant by the deadline given in their acceptance letter. The letter will include a cohort code and the vendor’s website for completing the background check, and students are responsible for paying the associated fees and meeting the deadline set by the program.
If an accepted student has any criminal charges or convictions, they must include a disclosure letter with their Statement of Understanding Agreement. This letter should detail the nature of the charges, an explanation of the incident, and actions taken to prevent recurrence, such as diversion, rehabilitation, or counseling. Failure to disclose charges or attempts to conceal convictions can result in denial or dismissal from the program. Note: Expunged crimes/convictions/charges may still appear as “expunged” on background checks.
The contracted vendor will assess the applicant's record against specified criteria, including permanent, ten-year, and five-year disqualifying offenses. After reviewing the results, applicants must authorize the Nursing Program to access the findings. If an applicant's criminal history meets any exclusionary criteria, they may receive a notification of potential disqualification. Disqualified applicants can challenge the accuracy of their records through the vendor.
Students disqualified based on the DHS list or the OSBN "Notice to Deny Licensure" list may request an "Appeal for Reconsideration of Exclusion" by scheduling an appointment at 541-956-7308 if they believe they no longer pose a threat. However, eligibility for appeal is limited. For example, recent felonies, specific drug convictions, multiple DUIs, serious misdemeanors, and computer crimes within certain timeframes may bar students from the appeal process. Additionally, students with unresolved legal issues are not eligible for appeal until their case is closed.
While enrolled in the program, students must report any new warrants, arrests, charges, or convictions immediately. Failure to disclose will be considered non-disclosure and may result in sanctions, including dismissal. Should any college personnel learn of a nursing student’s arrest for an exclusionary crime, the Nursing Program Administrator will obtain public records and consult with college administration to determine if clinical exclusion is warranted during an investigation.
The Nursing Program may require additional criminal background checks or urine drug screens for cause or after a break in a student’s study. If an investigation reveals a pending disposition for an exclusionary crime, the student may face dismissal but may apply for future readmission through the standard process, including a new background check.
Note: Students planning to transition from the Rogue Community College Nursing Program to OHSU should be aware that a separate criminal background check will be required by OHSU and may affect their eligibility for OHSU enrollment.
Refer to the Criminal History and Abuse Checks for a list of disqualifying crimes.
