Texas Board of Nursing Background Check Process

Overview

Shortly after submitting your nursing application, your personal information (name, SSN, DOB, etc.) will be submitted to the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) on a roster. You will receive an email from nursing@templecollege.edu confirming when the roster is submitted, along with instructions for the background check and details on the required BON clearance.

⚠ No SSN? You Are Still Submitted

If you do not have a Social Security Number (SSN), your information will still be submitted to the BON for review.

⚠ BON Clearance Is Required

BON clearance is required to register for nursing courses if you are accepted into our nursing program. Without clearance, you cannot enroll or participate in the program.

Licensure Eligibility

The Texas Board of Nursing licenses nurses as new graduates through the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The Board determines eligibility for licensure prior to beginning a nursing program.

To check your eligibility for obtaining or renewing your license, review the following questions. You can also view this information on the Texas BON website.

Confidentiality

Any positive response will remain confidential and not subject to public disclosure unless required by law.

Have you ever had any disciplinary action on a nursing license or a privilege to practice in any state, country, or province?
Do you have an investigation or complaint pending on a nursing license or a privilege to practice in any state, country, or province?
Have you, in the last 5 years*, been addicted to and/or treated for the use of alcohol or any other drug?
For any criminal offense*, including those pending appeal, have you:

(You may exclude Class C misdemeanor traffic violations or offenses previously disclosed to the Texas Board of Nursing on an initial or renewal application.)
- Been arrested and have a pending criminal charge?
- Been convicted of a misdemeanor?
- Been convicted of a felony?
- Pled nolo contendre, no contest, or guilty?
- Received deferred adjudication?
- Been placed on community supervision or court-ordered probation, whether or not adjudicated guilty?
- Been sentenced to serve jail, prison time, or court-ordered confinement?
- Been granted pre-trial diversion?
- Been cited or charged with any violation of the law?
- Been subject of a court-martial; Article 15 violation; or received any form of military judgment, punishment, or action?
Note — Expunged and Sealed Offenses
While expunged or sealed offenses, arrests, tickets, or citations need not be disclosed, it is your responsibility to ensure the offense, arrest, ticket, or citation has, in fact, been expunged or sealed. It is recommended that you submit a copy of the Court Order expunging or sealing the record in question to our office with your application. Non-disclosure of relevant offenses raises questions related to truthfulness and character. (See 22 TAC §213.27)

Note — Orders of Non-Disclosure
Pursuant to Tex. Gov't Code § 552.142(b), if you have criminal matters that are the subject of an order of non-disclosure, you are not required to reveal those criminal matters. However, a criminal matter subject to an order of non-disclosure may become a character and fitness issue. Pursuant to Gov't Code chapter 411, the Texas Nursing Board is entitled to access criminal history record information that is the subject of an order of non-disclosure. If the Board discovers such a matter — even if you properly did not reveal it — the Board may require you to provide information about any conduct that raises issues of character and fitness.
Have you ever had any licensing or regulatory authority (other than a nursing license) in any state, jurisdiction, country, or province revoke, annul, cancel, accept surrender of, suspend, place on probation, refuse to renew, or otherwise discipline any professional or occupational license, certificate, nurse aide registration, or multistate privilege to practice that you held?
Are you currently suffering from any condition for which you are not being appropriately treated that impairs your judgment or would otherwise adversely affect your ability to practice nursing in a competent, ethical, and professional manner?
*Are you currently the target or subject of a grand jury or governmental agency investigation?
*Are you currently a participant in an alternative to discipline, diversion, or a peer assistance program? (This includes all confidential programs.)
Have you ever been granted the authority to practice nursing in any country, state, province, or territory?

Note
This does not apply to nursing license(s) issued by another US state or territory, excluding Puerto Rico. If you were licensed in Puerto Rico, your answer should be yes.