Bill > HB1420

This bill mandates criminal history record checks for individuals seeking or renewing licenses and certificates issued by various health occupation boards in Maryland, including those for acupuncturists, dentists, funeral directors, nurses, optometrists, pharmacists, physical therapists, and psychologists. The process involves submitting fingerprints and fees to the "Central Repository," which is the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, for both state and national checks. This information will be confidential and used solely for licensing purposes, with provisions for individuals to contest any reported information. The bill also specifies when these checks will be required, with some starting dates as early as July 1, 2027, and others in 2028, and also outlines that boards will consider various factors from the criminal history record when making licensing decisions, such as the circumstances and age of the offense, and the time passed since the crime.