Criminal Background Check

Criminal Background Check 

PNWU requires that all students, prior to matriculation, will undergo a criminal background check. If a rotation is requiring an updated criminal background check the student will work with the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator to obtain an additional background check.

Criminal Background Check (CBC) Process 

1. Newly accepted students are notified of the requirement to purchase and complete an approved CBC prior to matriculation. A student who is challenging any part of the CBC may enroll if they acknowledge that the challenge must be cleared prior to attending classes.
2. Prior to starting clinical rotations students are notified of any site-specific requirements to purchase and complete an approved CBC.
3. The e-mail notification provides information regarding authorization and payment of the CBC. The student will assume the cost of the background check(s).
4. A fully detailed copy of the report will be delivered directly to the student with a copy to Enrollment Services.
5. Any questionable or adverse information provided through the CBC is referred to the Admissions Committee for newly accepted students and the Student Progress Committee for current students for further evaluation. An adverse or questionable report may result in the denial of admission or dismissal from PNWU.
   1. Findings are reviewed for severity, frequency/pattern, time period, rehabilitation, unprofessional behavior, accountability, and outcome. The student should investigate possible consequences on future licensure eligibility.
   2. Notification from PNUW of denial of admission or dismissal is provided by certified letter and secure email to the student. 

Challenged Results of the Criminal Background Check 

1. Students who question the accuracy of the report should immediately contact the entity that performed the CBC regarding the area they believe to be incorrect.
2. Re-verification and issuance of a new report will follow the process and procedure laid out by the company conducting the CBC.
3. If the student does not challenge the questionable or adverse information from the entity that conducted the CBC and when the CBC findings are such that the student does not meet the admission requirement or the healthcare site’s CBC requirement, the student will be referred to the Admissions Committee for accepted applicants or the Student Progress Committee for current students for further evaluation.
4. Any adverse decision by the Admissions Committee and the Student Progress Committee may have a final appeal through the Program Director (PD).
   1. Students who wish to appeal must submit a detailed letter to the PD within five business days after receiving the notice from the Admission Committee or Student Progress Committee. The decision of the PD is final.
5. Notification from PNWU that a prospective student is denied enrollment or a currently enrolled student is denied participation in clinical rotations due to CBC finding will be provided by certified letter and secure email to the student from Student Affairs. PNWU will review CBC findings with felony/misdemeanor charges for severity, frequency/pattern, time period, rehabilitation, unprofessional behavior, accountability, and outcome. The student should investigate possible consequences on future licensure.  

The CBC search may include, but not be limited to, sources such as the following:  

1. Social Security Number Trace
2. Washington State Patrol Criminal Background check
3. Criminal Histories Background check
4. Nationwide Wants & Warrants, HHS/OIG list of excluded individuals
5. GSA list of Parties Excluded from Federal Programs
6. Consumer report information related to character
7. General reputation and credit that may be subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act
8. Sex Offender Background check
9. Anti-Terrorism
10. USA PATRIOT Act Sanctions  

Criminal or Civil Convictions 

After a criminal background check has been completed, all admitted students must notify Enrollment Services, current students must notify Student Affairs, within three days of any criminal or civil recordable event that occurs. The recordable event must be reviewed to determine the student’s academic standing and eligibility for clinical experiences. Students are expected to fully cooperate with Enrollment Services or Student Affairs in documenting the recordable event.