Arkansas Background Check Information
Learn about the Background Check Process for nurses in the state of Arkansas..
PrintScan Arkansas Nurse Background Check Guide
The fingerprinting and background check process can be complicated. We decided to put together this guide as a quick reference to make your Arkansas fingerprinting experience easier.
Arkansas Fingerprinting and Background Check Information
Why does the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) ask questions regarding criminal conviction(s)?
According to the ASBN Nurse Practice Act (Sub Chapter Section 3-17-87-312, no person shall be eligible to receive or hold a license issued by the board if that person has pleaded guilty, nolo contendere, or been found guilty of any of the offenses (as identified in Arkansas Code, ACA § 17-3-102). The law applies to licensed nurses as well as those individuals seeking licensure. This includes new graduates, nurses applying for licensure from other countries or states and nurses applying for advanced practice. Additional information is available by accessing the Nurse Practice Act.
What does this mean if I want to become a nurse?
An individual that has pleaded guilty, nolo contendere, or been found guilty of any of offenses (as identified in Arkansas Code, Act 1208 of 1999 Legislative Session- ACA § 17-87-312 and ACA § 17-3-102) may not be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination- Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN® ), National Council Licensure Examination–Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN® ). Certain offenses are considered a permanent bar to licensure in Arkansas. An individual interested in becoming a nurse in Arkansas should review the Nurse Practice Act (Sub Chapter Section 3- 17-87-312 and ACA § 17-3-102) at
Can I be admitted to a nursing program if I have a conviction?
ASBN does not determine the admission requirements for nursing programs. Please refer to the admission requirements of the program that you are interested in attending. Be aware that despite completion of a nursing program, an individual that has pleaded guilty, nolo contendere, or been found guilty of any of offenses (as identified in Arkansas Code, Act 1208 of 1999 Legislative Session- ACA § 17-87- 312 and ACA § 17-3-102) may not be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN® ), National Council Licensure Examination –Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN® ). Certain offenses are considered a permanent bar to licensure in Arkansas; an individual with one or more of these offense(s) are not eligible to apply for a waiver. An individual interested in becoming a nurse in Arkansas should review the Nurse Practice Act (Sub Chapter Section 3-17-87-312 and ACA § 17-3-102) at http://www.arsbn.arkansas.gov/lawsRules/Documents/SUBCHAPTER_3.pdf
What if I have plead guilty, nolo contendere, or been found guilty of a crime that is listed in the ASBN Nurse Practice Act?
If your offense is listed, you may not be eligible to take the National Council Licensure ExaminationPractical Nurse (NCLEX-PN® ), National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN® ) or hold licensure in Arkansas. ACA § 17-3-102 provides the applicant an opportunity to request a waiver of eligibility criteria related to a criminal background in certain circumstances depending on the offense(s). However, certain offense(s) are considered a permanent bar to licensure in Arkansas and an individual with one or more of these offense(s) are not eligible to apply for a waiver.
Are fingerprint cards from outside the state accepted?
Yes, via US Postal Service.
Are there any crimes that are considered a permanent bar to licensure?
Yes. There are certain offenses identified as a permanent disqualification to licensure in Arkansas. If the offense is identified as a permanent disqualification, an individual does not have the ability to request a waiver from the Board. An individual should review the ASBN Nurse Practice Act (Sub Chapter section 3- 17-87-312 and ACA 17-3-102) at htttp://www.arsbn.arkansas.gov/lawsRules/Documents/SUBCHAPTER_3.pdf
I have offenses in my past that have been sealed or expunged. Do I have to report these to the ASBN or provide documentation?
Yes. Even if a record is sealed or expunged, the offenses must be disclosed to ASBN. When an individual has an offense that is sealed or expunged, a judge will issue an order to expunge or order to seal the record. If you believe that an offense has been expunged or sealed, you should confirm this with your lawyer or the court. You should have the court submit the order to seal or expungement documentation to ASBN for review. You shall mark “yes” on the examination application screening question regarding a prior conviction and provide court documentation regarding the order, judgment and restitution of the offense(s).
Frequently Asked Questions
We know you have questions, we can answer them!
Q. Does the FBI have my fingerprints?
If you have ever been fingerprinted to get a license or a background check then the FBI does keep a record of your fingerprints in their criminal database.
Q. How long does an FBI fingerprinting session take?
Printscan's fingerprinting sessions for FBI background checks average at 20 minutes.
Q. How far back does an FBI background check go?
An FBI background check goes back for the entire applicants lifetime.
Q. How do I know if I need my FBI background check apostilled?
If the country you wish to visit is part of the Hauge convention then you will need to apostille your FBI background check.
Q. What payment do you accept?
We accept cash, or any major credit card. (Visa/Mastercard/Discovery/American Express)
