Bill > SB806

This bill establishes and modifies requirements for criminal history record checks for individuals seeking or renewing licenses and certificates issued by various health occupation boards in Maryland, including those for acupuncture, dentistry, mortuary science, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, psychology, dietetics-nutrition, environmental health specialists, and others. The bill mandates that applicants submit fingerprints and fees to the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository for both state and national criminal history record checks, with this information being confidential and used solely for licensing purposes. These checks will become effective for initial applications starting July 1, 2027, and for certain license renewals and reinstatements at various dates throughout 2027 and 2028, with the overall act taking effect on June 1, 2026. The bill also outlines the process for contesting criminal history record information and specifies that licensing boards will consider various factors, such as the circumstances and age of any offense, when reviewing an applicant's criminal history.