Important Information for Nurses on Criminal Background Checks

The Board of Nursing has received several inquiries concerning the criminal background check [CBC] audit letter dated June 28, 2010, that a random sample of nurse licensees (6,000) recently received.  That letter was sent in response to a change in the nurse practice act, state law, which went into effect in 2008. The law was changed to specifically allow for a criminal background check to determine eligibility and continued eligibility to practice nursing in this state. 

In January 2009, the Board of Nursing voted unanimously to conduct an audit of existing licensees in order to better protect and serve the public.   This year, the Board randomly selected 10 percent of its licensees for the CBC. The Board of Nursing intends to have all of its existing licensees go through the CBC in the coming years.  Information about the new law and the audit process appeared over the last 18 months in the Board newsletter, the Palmetto Nurse and the S.C. Nurse.

If you are one of the 6,000 who received this notice, please note the following:

• The deadline for compliance has been extended to December 31, 2010.
• Per statue 40-33-25, the cost of $54.25 will be borne by the licensee.
• If you pay in person, only a money order is accepted at the test site.
• Questions and concerns should be directed to the Office of Licensure and Compliance at 803- 896-4500.