| UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER COLLEGE OF NURSING |
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| Background Checks | Policy: 2110 (5.1.13) |
| Student Policies - All Students | Originating Date: May 2006 |
| Responsible Reviewing Agency:
Undergraduate Affairs Committee Professional Graduate Affairs Committee
PhD Affairs Committee Final Approving Agency: General Faculty Organization
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Revised: September 2008 Revised: February 2009 Reviewed: October 2012 Revised: March 2017 Reviewed: January 2022 Revised: August 2025 |
Purpose
Establishes criteria for requiring background checks on admission and additional and/or repeated background checks depending on program and clinical placement requirements.
Scope
This policy applies to all degree-seeking students.
Policy
UNMC requires background checks on newly admitted students. Students may need to submit to additional and/or repeated background checks depending on program and clinical placement requirements. Students are required to submit the annual disclosure statement at the beginning of every academic year.
The College of Nursing (CON) reserves the right to rescind an offer of admission or progression or to place monitoring requirements on any individual whose background investigation reveals a history of conduct that:
- is reasonably determined to increase the risk of harm to patients or individuals on UNMC premises; or
- was not accurately disclosed in response to a direct question regarding criminal history on any application for admission in connection with the program; or
- is inconsistent with the high standard of ethical conduct required of all members of the academic community; or
- is otherwise unbefitting a member of the academic community or would preclude completion of required educational activities.
Required Background Check Searches
- Social Security Number Verification
- Maiden and AKA Name Search
- Positive Identification National Locator with previous address
- Criminal History Investigation
- National Wants & Warrants Submission
- National Sex Offender Registry
- Sexual Offender Registry/Predator Registry
- Adult and Child Abuse Registry
- Sanction Check- National Healthcare Data Bank (NHDB)
- Officer of Inspector General Sanctions
- Excluded Parties Listing System
Review of Background Checks
The CON will review background checks in a timely manner and will determine, as part of a holistic review, what constitutes an adverse finding in the background check that may result in denial of admission or dismissal from the program. Determinations by the CON are final.
Identification of Vendors
All background checks will be performed by vendors approved by UNMC and the CON and/or clinical agency who may be requesting a specific type of check.
Allocation of Cost
Accepted applicants and enrolled students must pay the costs associated with procuring an initial background check and any subsequent costs incurred for rechecks or follow-up.
Additional/Subsequent Criminal and Civil Matters
The student must report to the CON within 30 days any new charges against them involving criminal activity including but not limited to theft, assault, and illegal drug/alcohol activity other than minor traffic violations, which could interfere with clinical placements or obtaining a professional licensure. The student must also report if they have been a defendant in a civil suit. When this occurs or is discovered while a student is in attendance at UNMC, disciplinary action may be taken, including dismissal and will be addressed through the UNMC’s academic or disciplinary policies.
Failure to Submit to a Background Check
Students who refuse to submit to a required background check will not be admitted or progressed. Any student who fails to adhere to an additional and/or repeated background check requirement may be suspended from all classes or clinicals until clearance documentation is provided.
Falsification of Information
Falsification of information, including omission of relevant information, may result in denial of admission or dismissal from the student’s program and may be addressed through the UNMC’s academic or disciplinary policies.
Background Check Record Maintenance
Background check reports and other submitted information are confidential and may only be reviewed by CON officials and affiliated clinical facilities in accordance with the Family Educational Records and Privacy Act (FERPA). Student background check reports and other submitted student information will be maintained in the office of the CON or maintained electronically. Records will be maintained according to state statute requirements.