MarylandSB 08062026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Health Occupations - Criminal History Records Checks

Sponsored By: Pamela Beidle (Democratic)

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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Dentists and hygienists: background checks

Beginning June 1, 2026, dentist and dental hygienist applicants must submit fingerprint‑based checks and pay state and FBI fees. The Dental Board cannot issue a license until it receives your criminal history. Starting October 1, 2027, the Board requires checks for selected renewals and for reinstatements. If you do not submit the check, the Board may deny, suspend, or revoke your license.

Background checks for dental X-ray staff

Applicants for dental radiation technologist certificates must complete a criminal history check with fingerprints and fees. Beginning October 1, 2027, selected renewals and reinstatements must also submit a check. The Board may not renew or reinstate until it gets the results.

Background checks for many health licenses

Beginning July 1, 2027, many health license applicants must get state and national background checks. Starting June 1, 2026, you apply through the Central Repository with FBI‑approved fingerprints and fees. If you were licensed before January 1, 2028, you must show proof of a check at your first renewal after that date. Former licensees seeking reinstatement must also submit a check.

Checks for CNAs and nurse certifications

Certified nursing assistant, dialysis technician, and medication technician applicants must submit a criminal history check and give verification to the Board. The Board may require checks for selected renewals and reinstatements and sends the forms with renewal notices. Another check is required every 12 years. Forensic nurse examiners and workers’ compensation case managers must also complete checks for certification and some renewals.

Dietitians: background checks and renewals

Beginning July 1, 2027, dietitian–nutritionist applicants must complete a fingerprint‑based background check and pay state and FBI fees. If you were licensed before July 1, 2027, you must show proof of a check at your first renewal after January 1, 2028. To reactivate or reinstate, you must submit a check and meet continuing education and fee rules within five years. If you do not submit the check, the Board may deny or discipline your license.

Environmental health specialists: background checks

Beginning July 1, 2027, environmental health specialist applicants must have a criminal history check. If you were licensed before that date, you must show proof at your first renewal after July 1, 2027. The Board may not issue, reactivate, or reinstate without receiving the records.

Optometrists: checks for renewal and return

Beginning August 1, 2026, optometrists must submit a criminal history check to renew or reinstate when selected by regulation. The Board does not renew or reinstate until it receives the results. To reactivate from inactive status, you must attest that you submitted the check. Fingerprints and state and FBI fees apply.

Pharmacists: background checks to get licensed

Beginning June 1, 2026, pharmacy license applicants must submit fingerprints and pay the Maryland access fee and the FBI fee. The Central Repository sends the results to the Board and to you.

Renewal-time checks for some licenses

Starting July 1, 2027, certain health license holders who were licensed without a background check must submit one when they renew. The Board sets which renewals must provide checks.

Standard fingerprints, fees, and privacy

Beginning June 1, 2026, background checks use one standard process. You submit legible fingerprints in a format the state and FBI approve and pay the Maryland access fee and the FBI fee. The Central Repository sends results to the board and to you. Records are confidential and for licensing only. You can contest errors and get updated records if new information appears.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Pamela Beidle
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Alonzo T. Washington
Democratic • Senate
Dawn Gile
Democratic • Senate
Antonio Hayes
Democratic • Senate
Stephen S. Hershey
Republican • Senate
Carl Jackson
Democratic • Senate
Benjamin F. Kramer
Democratic • Senate
Clarence K. Lam
Democratic • Senate
Johnny Mautz
Republican • Senate
Justin Ready
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 179 • No: 0

House vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 134 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/19/2026