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Maryland Board of Physicians


Criminal History Records Checks

As a qualification for initial licensure, reinstatement, or registration, individuals must apply for a state and FBI criminal history records check (also known as CHRC or background check) through the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Central Repository of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS). Individuals must submit their fingerprints to CJIS for a background check. The Board of Physicians (the Board) may not reinstate or issue a new license or registration to any applicant or licensee if the Board has not received their CHRC information.

Note: A CHRC is not required to renew a license or registration.

The CHRC results will be maintained in the Maryland and FBI databases for further identification. Individuals have the right to challenge their records, which is discussed in detail in the FBI Privacy Act Statement/Noncriminal Justice Applicant's Privacy Rights notice.

Timing of CHRCs

Instructions on submitting fingerprints for a CHRC

  1. If you reside within Maryland:
    • Go to any authorized location in Maryland that provides commercial fingerprinting services. For a listing of commercial fingerprinting servicers in Maryland, visit the DPSCS - Fingerprint Services website.
    • Note:  Before you go to a CJIS-operated fingerprinting service location, download and print a LiveScan pre-registration form. Complete the form and bring it with you. The LiveScan pre-registration form includes the Board's unique agency authorization numbers.
  2. If you reside outside Maryland:
    • Out-of-state individuals have the option of using a Maryland location for fingerprinting. If using a Maryland location, follow the instructions above for individuals residing within Maryland. If you're using a fingerprinting servicer outside of Maryland, you must contact CJIS and request that they mail you a fingerprint card. Please contact CJIS by:
      1. Emailing CJIS customer service at cjis.customerservice@maryland.gov, or
      2. Calling CJIS at 410-764-4501, or toll-free at 1-888-795-0011.
  3. Provide the fingerprinting servicer with the Board's unique agency authorization numbers and information listed below, or if applying by mail, write the following information on your fingerprint cards:
    1. CJIS state authorization #: 1600000743
    2. FBI ORI #: MD920522Z
    3. Indicate the reason for fingerprinting: Professional License
    4. The type of check: Governmental licensing/certification
  4. Pay all processing fees to the fingerprinting servicer or mail the fingerprint card and processing fee to CJIS. Do not mail your fingerprint card to the Board.
  5. Download and print the FBI Privacy Act Statement/Noncriminal Justice Applicant's Privacy Rights notice. You must acknowledge receipt of this notice when you file your application with the Board. Please retain a copy in your files for future reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Board recommends that applicants and licensees not submit their fingerprints earlier than 45 days before the date they intend to complete their initial license, registration, or reinstatement application. The Board is only authorized to retain CHRC information for 90 days. If your CHRC is over 90 days from the receipt of your application, you may be required to complete a new CHRC.

The CHRC receipt/confirmation numbers are the series of numbers displayed above the bar code on the fingerprint card, your CJIS results letter, or the tracking number from your CHRC payment receipt. Retain your receipt for your records. You will be prompted to enter your CHRC receipt/confirmation number at the beginning of the Board's application for licensure, registration, or reinstatement.

The Board receives CHRC results electronically within 3-14 days, and results are matched to the individual's application in accordance with Board regulations and policies.

The name on your application for licensure, reinstatement, or registration should match the name on your CHRC fingerprint request. However, if the CHRC results are under a different name, Board staff will work with applicants to locate their results using identifiers such as their date of birth. Please be advised that the name discrepancy may delay matching the CHRC results to your application.

No. The Board cannot accept the results of a CHRC conducted in another state or elsewhere in Maryland. CHRCs cannot be shared between entities/agencies/employers. You must apply for a CHRC for the Board of Physicians.

The Board considers positive results on a case-by-case basis. It must consider numerous factors pursuant to Health Occupations ยง14-313 and Criminal Procedure §1-209. If the Board requests additional information, please submit your response as quickly as possible or by the specified deadline to avoid delays.

Your request for a background check may be rejected for several reasons. In some cases, the quality of the fingerprints is too low to be used. If you receive a rejection letter from CJIS, follow their instructions to provide additional information, or submit another set of fingerprints to continue processing your background check.

After a licensure analyst reviews your application for licensure, reinstatement, or registration, they will notify you if the Board has not received the CHRC results. Please do not call the Board to verify receipt of your CHRC results.

If you have further questions about applying for a background check or need to check the status of a previously submitted request, please contact CJIS at 410-764-4501, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, or visit their website.