11.3c Purpose of Requiring Background Screenings

The purpose of requiring criminal background checks is to ensure patient safety and protection and support the standards of the Nurse Practice Act by requiring that students meet the same standards as health care facility employees. Individuals to whom care is given are often vulnerable both physically and emotionally. Students have access to personal information, access to the patient’s property, and provide intimate care to the patient. Accrediting bodies are now requiring that health care facilities have confidence that any individual authorized to provide care does not have a criminal history of mistreatment, neglect, violence, defrauding the public or otherwise taking advantage of another person.