Criminal Conviction Eligibility

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Criminal Conviction Eligibility

Criminal histories do not automatically prohibit applicants from getting licensed in Iowa. Even if you have one or more disqualifying convictions, you may still qualify.

You will need to submit proof of rehabilitation to the Board. Your documentation needs to prove your ability to safely practice nursing. 

When applying for licensure: 

Applicants must disclose convictions by answering the criminal offense questions on the online application. For each offense, list the following information on the background check waiver form:

  1. The charge.
  2. Where it occurred (city/county, and state).
  3. When it occurred.
  4. A brief description of what happened.
  5. The outcome (paid a fine, substance abuse evaluation, dismissed, expunged,
    deferred judgement, etc.)

If using physical fingerprint cards from the provided packet, use the blanks on the last page of the paper โ€œWaiver Informationโ€ form or enclose a separate letter. 

If using Fieldprint for electronic fingerprinting, the background check waiver is part of the online registration process. Provide the above details in the section provided after answering the criminal conviction question.

If you have not yet submitted an application: 

You may submit a petition for eligibility form. (510.29 KB) .pdf The Board will review your petition and determine your eligibility for licensure. You are not required to submit a petition before applying for a license. If you have criminal convictions and are considering attending nursing school, you may want to submit a Petition before enrolling.

โ€‹โ€‹โ€‹โ€‹โ€‹โ€‹For some cases, you may be asked to submit your guilty plea and/or sentencing order with your application. To avoid potential delays, submit all of the above when you apply.

The following must be reported:

  • Deferred judgments
  • Expunged convictions
  • Sealed records
  • Any other forms of agreed dispositions
  • Operating while intoxicated convictions
    • Note: You do not need to report traffic charges.

List of Potentially-Disqualifying Criminal Convictions

In accordance with Iowa Code section 272C.15(2), the department provides the following list of specific convictions that may disqualify an applicant from receiving a license, permit, or registration. In addition, any offense specified in the laws of another jurisdiction or prosecuted in a municipal, federal, military, or foreign court that is comparable to a conviction listed herein may disqualify an applicant from receiving a license or registration.

Please be advised that just because you have been convicted of one of the offenses listed does not mean you are automatically prevented from obtaining a license or registration. The following offenses are only disqualifying if:

  1. The actions taken in furtherance of the offense are customarily performed within the scope of practice of the profession; or
  2. The circumstances under which the offense was committed are circumstances customary to the profession. 

Additionally, even if your conviction is disqualifying, you are entitled to submit proof of rehabilitation to the licensing authority to demonstrate your current fitness to safely practice in the profession.

If you are interested in applying for a license, permit, or registration and have been convicted of an offense on this list, you may petition the licensing authority for an eligibility determination, or submit all relevant information as part of your application for licensure or registration, pursuant to Iowa Administrative Code 481. If you have questions about what criminal history information to include with your license or registration application or how to submit a petition for eligibility determination, please contact staff for assistance.
 

 

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