007.33.22 Ark. Code R. 018

Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 10, October, 2024

Rule 007.33.22-018 - XXIII: Pre-Licensure Criminal Background Check

Article XXIII:PRE-LICENSURE CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK

A. Pursuant to Act 990 of 2019, an individual may petition for a pre-licensure determination of whether the individual's criminal record will disqualify the individual from licensure and whether a waiver may be obtained.

B. The individual must obtain the pre-licensure criminal background check petition form from the Board.

C. The Board will respond with a decision in writing to a completed petition within a reasonable time.

D. The Board's response will state the reason(s) for the decision.

E. Ail decisions of the Board in response to the petition will be determined by information provided by the individual.

F. Any decision made by the Board in response to a pre-licensure criminal background check petition is not subject to appeal.

G. The Board will retain a copy of the petition and response and it will be reviewed during the formal application process.

Waiver Request

A. If an individual has been convicted of an offense listed in A.C.A. § 17-2-102(a) or (e), the Board may waive disqualification of a potential applicant or revocation of a license based on the conviction if a request for a waiver is made by:

1. An affected application for a license; or

2. An individual holding a license subject to revocation.

B. The Board may grant a waiver upon consideration of the following, without limitation:

1. The age at which the offense was committed;

2. The circumstances surrounding the offense;

3. The length of time since the offense was committed;

4. Subsequent work history since the offense was committed;

5. Employment references since the offense was committed;

6. Character references since the offense was committed;

7. Relevance of the offense to the occupational license; and

8. Other evidence demonstrating that licensure of the applicant does not pose a threat to the health or safety of the public.

C. A request for a waiver, if made by an applicant, must be in writing and accompany the completed application and fees.

D. The Board will respond with a decision in writing and will state the reasons for the decision.

007.33.22 Ark. Code R. 018

Adopted by Arkansas Register Volume 48, Number 01, Effective 1/13/2023