What type of background checks do employers in Texas do?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 7, 2010

I live in Fort Worth, TX. Live Scan does not exist here, and I have never been fingerprinted for a potential job. The employers here simply enter your name and other relevant information into a computer, and a background checking service (Kroll, GroupOne, etc.) will complete the check. Some of the more desperate facilities do not check backgrounds, although these are not the most quality places to work for.

KungFuFtr · Jan 20, 2010

i have a question, i know here in ca before you can work at any facility as a nurse you have to get
a clearance through live scan finger printing which consist of an fbi check.
how about in texas? do they do finger printing as well or do they just run your name into the computer?
i ask because i recently got my clearance back here in ca but im interested in moving back to houston and i dont want to go through any complications to where i have to explain my one record which was a juvenile case.
any information will help.

i just applied for my texas license. you have to submit fingerprints and an fbi background check is performed. one section included the following:

"for any criminal offense, including those pending appeal, have you:

a. been convicted of a misdemeanor?

b. been convicted of a felony?

c. pled nolo contendere, no contest, or guilty?

d. received deferred adjudication?

e. been placed on community supervision or court-ordered probation, whether or not adjudicated guilty?

f. been sentenced to serve jail or prison time? court-ordered confinement?

g. been granted pre-trial diversion?

h. been arrested or have any pending criminal charges?

i. been cited or charged with any violation of the law?

j. been subject of a court-martial; article 15 violation; or received any form of military judgment/

punishment/action?

if you answer yes to any eligibility questions on the application, you will need to include a statement explaining the events of the incident(s) and official court documents that show the disposition of the incident(s). you will be notified if an additional review fee is required."

the selection "i" is a little too broad for me. however, if they are doing a fbi background check, i'm sure it's pretty thorough. i thought it would be in my best interest to include an 18 year old minor possession charge that went to bench trial and i was found not guilty. i think it has more to do with them judging your character. basically, i went to the court house and paid $8.00 for a certified copy of the charge/court document. i then wrote a 1/2 page letter explaining the event.

disclosing your past will perhaps lengthen the time that you'll get your license. if you're not fully honest and texas finds out; you'll probably have to wait much, much longer...

Silicone · Feb 7, 2010

If you're not fully honest and Texas finds out; you'll probably have to wait much, much longer...

Not to mention jumping through several hoops. And emptying out your wallet. You really should take the initiative to talk with a lawyer who specializes in medical licensing in Texas. They'll either charge a token fee or give you a free consulation to hear all your information and give you an opinion on what you can (or need) to do to be successful. And more importantly, what not to do to avoid shooting yourself in the foot. Well worth it for piece of mind, if nothing else.

lilycole · May 25, 2010

I was offered a job with a home health agency that pays very well for FL, with great benefits. The problem is I am jumping through hoops! They loved me and offered me the job right away, but I told them I had a misdomeanor reckless driving that was an isolated incident and they said it should be fine, but it has been over a week and I have 3 kids to feed and shelter. Has anyone been turned down for something like this? I am in FL. Thanks

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 25, 2010

i live in fort worth, tx. live scan does not exist here, and i have never been fingerprinted for a potential job. the employers here simply enter your name and other relevant information into a computer, and a background checking service (kroll, groupone, etc.) will complete the check. some of the more desperate facilities do not check backgrounds, although these are not the most quality places to work for.

i retract my previous statement. live scan does exist in texas.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · May 27, 2010

All healthcare providers that participate in Medicare/Medicaid MUST conduct background checks prior to hiring anybody. This is a Federal requirement. They can use any method they choose - including external companies.