Criminal background check, random drug test and name search on government registries which prohibit employment in health care professions are required in our health science programs. Program start is contingent upon meeting deadlines for completion of the screening and results which allow the student to participate in the clinical portion of the program. Details and directions for accessing and purchasing online screening for background checks are shared with accepted students. Background checks are conducted for every state in which the student has worked or resided since the age of 18 years. Conviction of offenses in the following areas normally prohibit the student from participation in the clinical portion of the program and will result in program dismissal: assault, sexual offenses, murder, burglary, arson, and robbery.

Refer to the Health Care Worker Background Check Act for a complete list of offenses at www.idph.state.il.us/nar/.

To participate in the clinical portion of the program, students with “disqualifying” offense(s) will be asked to produce a waiver from the Illinois Department of Public Health for identified offenses. To request a waiver application from IDPH, students may call 217-785-5133. Not all clinical sites accept the IDPH waiver (ie. Missouri sites), therefore required clinical sites are also surveyed to determine if clinical placement can be accomplished. If a waiver cannot be produced prior to clinicals/program start or survey results indicate clinical sites prohibit the conviction, the student will be removed from the program.

In addition, positive results from the drug test or student listing on prohibitory government registry will also result in dismissal from the program. Note: Positive drug testing results from the use of illegal drugs or prescription medication which the student does not have a prescription. Medical marijuana, which is not FDA approved, is also considered a positive drug testing result.

Dismissal for positive criminal background check, drug test, or listing on a government registry does not qualify students for refund of tuition or lab fees. Students who have concerns regarding their status with the above regulations are encouraged to discuss the matter with the program coordinator or the coordinator’s assistant prior to seeking admission.