Criminal Background Checks
Arkansas law requires applicants for initial licensure to submit a state and federal criminal background check. If an applicant has pleaded guilty, nolo contendere to, or been found guilty of any offense listed in ACA §17-3-102, he/she is not eligible for Arkansas licensure. ACA §17-3-102 provides an opportunity to request a waiver of eligibility criteria related to a criminal background in certain circumstances.
Applicants must submit an application for the conduction of state and federal Criminal Background Checks by following the instructions and submitting their request through the Criminal Background Checks System at the bottom of this page.
General Information – Read All
A state and federal criminal background check is required if they are not already on file with the Arkansas State Board of Nursing within the last 12 months of application. Background checks from other agencies are NOT accepted.
Fees associated with conducting the state and federal criminal background checks are at the applicant’s expense and are paid within this online system. A fee of $36.25, in addition to a processing fee, is required to process the state and federal criminal background checks. After submission of your request, you will receive an automatically generated email notification receipt from Arkansas GovPay that is sent to the email address that you provide.
Fees Are Non Refundable
DO NOT CONTACT THE ARKANSAS STATE POLICE OR THE FBI ABOUT THE STATUS OF YOUR CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS.
Arkansas State Criminal Background Check
The State Criminal Background Check information is obtained within this system; no additional form is completed or submitted to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing or the Arkansas State Police.
Federal Criminal Background Check
The Federal Criminal Background Check requires that your fingerprints are used to check the criminal history records of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Fingerprint information is obtained in one of two ways, depending on your residency.
Arkansas State Resident
As an Arkansas resident, it is mandatory that your fingerprints are submitted electronically (Live Scan). No fingerprint card is required. Live Scan vendors may charge an additional fee that is the applicant’s expense. Read and follow the Criminal Background Check Instructions.
- Criminal Background Check Instructions: The applicant is an Arkansas Resident
- Live Scan Locations
- CBC Challenge & Privacy Notifications
Criminal Background Check System
Non-Arkansas (Out-of-State) Resident
As an out-of-state resident, your fingerprints are submitted by the Ink-based fingerprint card method. You MUST use the pre-stamped ASBN fingerprint card that is automatically mailed to you once you submit your application for the conduction of Criminal Background Checks at the bottom of this page. Refer to the instructions regarding how to complete and mail the fingerprint card.
- Criminal Background Check Instructions: Applicant is a Non-Arkansas (Out of State) Resident
- Fingerprint Card Completion Instructions
- Fingerprint Verification Form
- CBC Challenge & Privacy Notifications
Criminal Background Check System
Resources
- Criminal Background Frequently Asked Questions
- Criminal Background Document Information
- Arkansas Nurse Practice Act Sub Chapter 3 Excerpt: Criminal Background Checks – A.C.A. § 17-87-312
- Arkansas Code Annotated Title 17 Professions, Occupations, and Businesses; Subtitle 1. Professions Generally; Chapter 3 Occupational Criminal Background Checks Excerpt: Licensing Restrictions Based on Criminal Records – A.C.A. § 17-3-102
- Non-Criminal Justice Applicant’s Privacy Rights
