Why State Board needs SSN?

They need it to verify you are who your app says you are. There are alot of people with the same names, and the SSN helps identify you.

SSNs are about the only way to actually identify a person. Let's say you're "Pretty Smith". How many other Smith's do you suppose that there are in the state? the nation? the world? Using your ssn makes sure that you are not blamed for some other "Pretty Smith"'s DUIs, thefts, murder convictions, drug charges, etc.

Then, what if you get married? Your license is under Smith, but now you're a Jones... Again, you're probably not the only person with that name. The BON, and your employers, use the ssn to tell everyone apart, and ensure that your record remains YOUR record.

And yeah, I've heard that they do a very thorough background check.

I have seen numerous questions that you have posted about this issue. I am sorry but it sounds as though you have something to hide.

Several have already told you why they want it and to call your board of nursing if you have more specific questions.

I guess I just don't understand what you are worried about.

SSN, as others stated, is the best way to uniquely identify you.

If there is a particular issue you believe may come up in regards to your SSN, I would contact the BON.

Illegal Alien?

The SSN is used for identification purposes in the United States.

Which was not the original intent, and IIRC is illegal outside of clearly defined situations such as the military.

One's SSN was originally supposed to be used only to collect data and award payments under the new scheme set up by the government. Gradually other uses have creeped in such as credit, but by and large far too many businesses and persons ask for and record social security numbers without any legal right to do so. Indeed the widespread crime of ID theft is fueled in part by how widely distributed and not so well protected those digits have become.

Everything from property deeds, death certificates and all manner of public records have SSNs listed, and until recently many colleges allowed professors to post exam results using them.

Will agree on the whole US citizens have had their social security numbers become the equal of "papers" found in other countries. If for nothing else the use has been so co-opted that if the governmnet were to crack down it could and possibly would shut down many sectors of the economy.

Quite a few states won't issue a nursing license without an SSN (my state is one of them), and to me it just makes good sense. Why issue licenses to people who are not legally able to work in the US? What possible purpose or benefit would a US nursing license serve if the holder can't work legally in the US (at least, at the present time)? I see it as a way to cut down on people working here illegally, which I certainly support.

Don't forget many state and local correction departments use SSNs' for ID purposes, as IIRC, do federal criminal databases