Arizona Nurse Fingerprint Clearance Cards

There are many occupations that require a fingerprint clearance card, nursing is one. In Arizona, nurses must obtain a fingerprint clearance card in order to practice. This is a stringent security measure to ensure it is safe for a nurse to work with the vulnerable public. The job of the clearance card is to ensure there is nothing in a nurse’s background that would put someone at risk.

Fingerprint Clearance Cards and How to Obtain One in Arizona

In Arizona, nurses apply for a fingerprint clearance card by sending in an application to the Fingerprint Division of the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). A complete application along with a set of fingerprints helps the DPS to determine if the nurse passes the background check.

With no offenses on record, DPS will issue a fingerprint card without a problem. However, if the applicant has a criminal offense on state or federal records, the Fingerprint Division will then search for the disposition of the case if it is unclear. A disposition indicates if there has been a dismissal of a case or a conviction. If there is a conviction, there will be a denial of the fingerprint clearance card.

Fingerprint Clearance Card Denial and or Suspension

Applicants face fingerprint card denial if child abuse, welfare fraud, theft or robbery are found during the background check. Possession or use of any controlled substance can also result in a denial. These are just a few of the offenses that cause a denial. If a person already holds a fingerprint card, but they receive a new offense they face a fingerprint card suspension. Losing a fingerprint clearance card you may also result in the loss of work.

Recover the Fingerprint Clearance Card with a Good Cause Exception

The only way to get a fingerprint card after denial is by applying for Good Cause Exception. Petitioning might be the best solution if the person feels the conviction is no
longer a threat or no longer puts anyone at risk. A Good Cause Exception application must include a personal statement describing how lifestyle changes have been a positive factor, two letters of reference, evidence all sentencing requirements (such as probation or fines, etc.) were met, any police reports and any other items an attorney may think necessary.

Arizona Criminal Charges Nurses Must Report

There are a number of Arizona Nurse Misdemeanor criminal charges a nurse, nursing student or applicant for a nursing license must report. These include:

• Assault and similar offenses such as battery, threat of violence, harassment, striking another, touch with intent to injure, etc. This includes domestic violence.
• Theft and similar offenses such as stealing, receiving stolen property, looting, trespassing, passing bad checks, etc.
• Fraud such as identity theft, credit card fraud, misrepresentation, welfare fraud, insurance fraud etc.
• Abuse, neglect and similar offenses such as such child or elder abuse, physical or emotional abuse, abandonment, endangerment, etc.
• Sexual offenses and crimes such as rape, molestation, sexual harassment, unwanted touch, prostitution, pornography, immoral sexual conduct, etc.
• Drug and alcohol offenses such as DUI, theft of drugs, use of drugs, sale of drugs, growing, possession of drugs and/or paraphernalia, etc.
• Arson such as deliberately setting a fire.
• Animal abuse and animal cruelty.

An Attorney Can Help

Retaining an attorney can make a difference in a Good Cause Exception application. It means having the help you need to gather court documents, obtaining a personal criminal-history review, representation at a hearing and an effective personal statement. If you have questions about fingerprint clearance cards for nurses or legal services available to nurses contact Chelle Law today.

If you’re interested in learning more about Arizona Nursing Board Criminal History laws and how to protect your rights, set up a consultation with Chelle Law and our Arizona Nursing Attorney reach out to us today.