During a short break in a busy emergency-room shift, the hot topic among nurses was the new background-screening law in Florida.
The legislation (a.k.a. House Bill 975), which took effect on July 1, 2025, requires healthcare professionals regulated by the Florida Department of Health with very few exceptions to be fingerprinted as part of both initial licensure and – under the new DOH guidelines – at the renewal date of existing licenses.
So Florida Department of Law Enforcement “Level 2” checks will now be done by FDLE-approved Livescan service providers on most everyone working a healthcare job. The Level 2 check reveals out-of-state offenses in addition to in-state offenses.
The ER nurses, notorious for their dark humor, were too tired to carry on a serious conversation.
NURSE 1: “You could conceivably lose your job. The fingerprints are a national FBI background check.”
NURSE 2: “If they find out about that out-of-state bank robbery in the ’80s, I might be working the drive-through window at a fast-food restaurant.”
NURSE 1: “You’ll have plenty of job options – Burger King, McDonalds, Wendys.” But I don’t think you’d get the window. And I sure wouldn’t hire you.”
NURSE 2: (laughing).
For at least a few nurses, the more stringent checks won’t be a laughing matter. HB 975 expands the list of disqualifying offenses from 52 to 60 total criminal offenses, including certain felonies and misdemeanors related to fraud, violence, or abuse. If a disqualifying offense is found, it may render the licensee ineligible for employment unless he or she receives an exemption from DOH.
Before July 1, nurses were basically on an honor system after initial-licensure fingerprinting, expected to self-report convictions to DOH. Did they self-report? Maybe, maybe not. The new policies should help hold those with “dirty fingerprints” accountable.
An inside joke (no pun intended) among nurses at Florida State Prison a few years ago was to include an FSP inmate in the staffing count for registered nurses. The inmate, doing a lengthy sentence for a very serious crime, had been incarcerated for over a year, but he still had a “clear and active” DOH RN license.
It should be noted that, in comparing DOH screening policies with most other healthcare workers, the nursing profession has been much more scrutinized.
Surprisingly enough, before July 1st the majority of healthcare professionals licensed by DOH were not required to undergo fingerprinting as part of their initial licensure. Among the professions not previously required to undergo background-screening fingerprinting – but will now be required to do so under the new law are pharmacists, respiratory therapists, occupational therapists, optometrists, dentists, and mental health professionals.
Considering the number of people who are signing up or will be signing up for Level 2 background checks, the Livescan business is booming. All those not previously fingerprinted must register. All those needing license renewals must register. Try doing a count for just one profession working in the state’s long-term-care facilities: certified nursing assistants. There are thousands of CNAs working in Florida’s 690 nursing homes and 3,080 assisted living facilities.
Livescan fingerprints taken for DOH are now retained for five years. It is possible a healthcare provider may not need new prints if they were previously retained and available.
It’s no wonder the message received from DOH’s Background Screening Unit during a recent phone call went something like this: “Please remain on the line. Your call will be answered. You are number 81 in line.”
Healthcare professionals should be registering very early with a Livescan provider in their respective counties. A list can be found on the DOH website. They should know that the fingerprinting is not that cheap – and they will be paying for the service.
The implementation of the new background screening policies, in its beginning stages, is a big hassle at this time – and some providers will lose their jobs. But the new legislation will ensure the integrity of healthcare workplace and enhance patient safety.
Florida is known for its sunny skies and sandy beaches – and now, perhaps the nation’s safest healthcare delivery services.
Mark Ryan
Mark Ryan is a Tallahassee RN.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: New background-screening law aims to make healthcare system safer
