Background Checks

Based on amendments to the Vulnerable Adult Act in 1995 and 1996, Minnesota law now requires that any person who provides services involving direct contact with patients and residents at hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health have a background study conducted by the State. Educational programs are authorized to initiate the background studies on their students as an alternative to each licensed facility requesting the studies. When requested by an educational program, the study is valid for one year and may be sent to any clinical site where you are placed during the coming year. Clinical education sites in other states may request to conduct their own and/or a national check.

If you are disqualified from having direct patient contact as a result of the background study and your disqualification is not set aside by the Commissioner of Health through a reconsideration process, you will not be accepted for clinical placement at licensed facilities and therefore, you will not be eligible for a degree from this program.