Background Checks

Minnesota state law requires a background check on any person who directly works with patients or residents in health care facilities. The state allows educational programs to initiate the background studies on their students as an alternative to each licensed facility requesting the studies. Results of background checks initiated by an educational program may be released to the clinical sites where our students are placed. Students sign a Release of Information form that allows the School of Nursing to share results with other facilities. The release form and the results of the background study are valid for one year only; therefore, you must update both forms each year.

(Note: If the results of the background check disqualify you from having direct patient contact and if the disqualification is not set aside by the Commissioner of Health, you may not be accepted for clinical placement at licensed facilities. Consequently, you might not be eligible for a degree in our program. If you are disqualified but have requested reconsideration from the Commissioner of Health, in most circumstances clinical sites may allow you to continue direct patient contact at their facility, pending the outcome of the reconsideration. You must, however, provide documentation that you have requested the reconsideration.)

Minnesota Department of Human Services
Division of Licensing
Background Study Unit
444 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-3842