Maryland Department of Health
Board of Nursing

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Criminal History Records Check for the Renewal of an Existing License/Certification

In 2006, House Bill 1318 and Senate Bill 769 were passed requiring  Criminal History Records Checks (CHRC) of all Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) renewal applicants.  
 
Who Must Complete a CHRC?
  • All CNAs and Nurses expiring on 3/28/2020 and 4/28/2020 must complete a CHRC in order to renew. This information will also be sent via U. S. mail. It is important to use the information provided to ensure the speedy processing of your renewal. 
  • The Board of Nursing has a new feature that will allow the applicant to input the criminal history records check tracking identification number on the application. The application will not proceed without evidence of the tracking ID number. Therefore, the renewal application will not be processed.
  • If you are having any issues with entering the tracking identification number on the online renewal application, please send a copy to the email listed below
  • Any RN, LPN, or CNA listed as NON-RENEWED for more than one year after the last expiration must obtain a CHRC in order to renew.
  • Renewal applications will not be processed without the criminal history record check.
  • The cost of the fingerprint and criminal history record check will be the responsibility of the individual. All fees must be paid by credit card, check or money order in United States currency. The Central Repository cannot accept cash.
  • The Board will not accept any receipt dated prior to December 2019 for renewals expiring in March and April of 2020.
 
Access to Records

Only designated Board staff will have access to the background check records and the results are confidential.
 
Compact Licenses

No Criminal History Records Check is required for nurses practicing in Maryland on their compact licenses. This is a requirement for Maryland Licensed Nurses. All compact states will be moving to requiring background check if the checks are not currently required.
 
How to Complete the Background Check

All renewal applicants be sure toreview the cover letter.
 
You may download the instructions for completing the CHRC for Licensure/Certification Renewal here for RNs / LPNs and here for CNAs.
 
 
updated 12/27/2019