MarylandHB 14202026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Health Occupations - Criminal History Records Checks

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Health OccupationsAcupuncturistsApplicants and ApplicationsCertificationsChild CareCommittees and CommissionsCriminal Background InvestigationsDentistsDietitians and NutritionistsEnvironmental HealthFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesFingerprintingFormsHealth Occupations -see also- (specific health occupations)Information TechnologyInterstate AffairsLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsMedication TechnitionsMorticiansNurses -see also- Nurse Practitioners; Nursing AssistantsOptometrists, Ophthalmologists, and OpticiansPermits -see also- Building PermitsPharmacists and Pharmacies -see also- DrugsPhysical TherapistsPodiatristsPrivacyPsychologistsPublic Safety and Correctional Services, Department ofRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsWholesale DistributionWorkers' Compensation

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Checks for dental licenses and certificates

Dental license applicants must complete a fingerprint background check and pay required fees. The Board considers factors like your age at the offense, time since it happened, work history, and references. The Board cannot issue a dental license until it has your record. Beginning October 1, 2027, checks are also required for some dental renewals and for reinstatements, and the Board cannot renew or reinstate without the record. The same renewal and reinstatement rules apply to dental radiation technologist certificates. If you fail to submit the required check, the Board can deny, suspend, or revoke your license.

Background checks for dietitian licenses

Beginning July 1, 2027, dietitian–nutritionist applicants must submit fingerprints and pay state and FBI fees for a background check. If your license began before July 1, 2027, you must show a check at your first renewal after January 1, 2028. To reactivate an inactive license, you must complete a check and meet training and fee rules. To reinstate a lapsed license, you must complete a check, meet education rules, pay fees, and apply within five years.

Background checks for many health licenses

Beginning July 1, 2027, new applicants for many health licenses must complete state and national background checks with fingerprints and fees. If your license was issued before January 1, 2028, you must show proof of a check at your first renewal after that date. Former licensees must complete a check to reinstate a license.

Background checks for pharmacists

Pharmacist applicants must submit fingerprints and pay fees for a state and national background check. The Board considers the age and circumstances of any offense, time since it happened, work history, references, and other evidence. Starting July 1, 2027, pharmacists first licensed without a check must complete one at renewal as set by Board rules.

Checks for environmental health specialists

Beginning July 1, 2027, applicants must submit fingerprints and pay state and FBI fees for a background check. If you were licensed before July 1, 2027, you must show a check at your first renewal after that date. Reactivation and reinstatement also require a check. The Board cannot issue a license without receiving your record.

Checks for nursing assistants and techs

Applicants for nursing assistant, medication technician, and dialysis technician certificates must complete a background check with fingerprints and fees. The Board may select some people for checks at renewal. Some renewal applicants get another check every 12 years. Former certificate holders must complete a check to reinstate.

Optometrists: renewal and reinstatement checks

Beginning August 1, 2026, the Board requires background checks for some optometry renewals and for reinstatements. The Board cannot renew or reinstate without the record. To reactivate an inactive license, you must attest that you submitted to a check.

How fingerprint checks work and cost

If you apply for a covered health license, you must send legible fingerprints to Maryland’s Central Repository. You must pay the Maryland access fee and the FBI processing fee. The Repository sends results to you and your licensing board. Your record is confidential and only for licensing. You can contest errors, and you will get updates if new records appear.

Law takes effect June 1, 2026

The law takes effect on June 1, 2026. Some sections start later as noted above.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 177 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/6/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 46 • No: 0

House vote • 3/20/2026