Criminal Record Check FAQ
Why do I have to do the criminal record recheck?
The Criminal Records Review Act requires a criminal record re-check every five years for all registrants of CRPNBC as well as for all other regulated health care professionals. The Act is intended to help protect children from physical and sexual abuse.
The law applies to all current and new registrants of professional regulatory (governing) bodies and all current and new employees working in organizations operated, funded or licensed by the provincial government. All CRPNBC registrants must undergo a criminal record check regardless of whether or not they work directly with children.
What happens if I don’t want to participate in this?
Participation in the Criminal record re-check is NOT optional. If you do not complete it, your registration will be suspended and you will not be able to practice as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse in the province of British Columbia.
I am a retired non-practicing registrant. Do I have to complete this?
Yes. The law applies to all active registrants in the province of BC regardless of whether you are practicing as a nurse.
What is the deadline for completing this?
2013 – All registrants who were last checked before 2009.
What if I don’t have a Driver’s License?
If you don’t have a driver’s license, then you leave that question blank.
Will I remain registered while the re-check is completed?
Yes, registrants who are undergoing a criminal record re-check remain registered.
Why are you charging me $20.00?
The $20.00 is transferred directly to the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. It is the amount charged by the Ministry to complete a criminal record check. This money does not go into CRPNBC general revenues.
The most transparent and fair method of collecting payment for this criminal record check is to require registrants to pay at the time of the record check rather than as part of their registration fee. This avoids the situation, for example, of someone paying an increased fee for several years and then retiring without having undergone the check.
What documentation do I need to verify a name change?
We accept Birth Certificates, Passports, Change of Name Certificates, Divorce Decrees and Marriage Certificates. We do not need notarization or the original document. You can fax, email or mail CRPNBC a copy.
We do not accept driver licenses, BC IDs, credit cards or health care cards.
What if I’ve lost one of those documents?
If your documentation is from BC, you can order a replacement from http://www.vs.gov.bc.ca/ or you can order by Credit Card by calling 250-952-2557 or toll free for people within British Columbia 1-888-876-1633.
If your documentation is from outside BC, you will have to contact the vital statistics agency from where your document originated. This can normally be handled via website if the agency is in North America.
Why can’t CRPNBC accept a Criminal Record Check from the RCMP or from another regulatory body if it was done recently?
In order for the CRPNBC to meet the Criminal Records Review Act, we need to submit a Criminal Record Check to the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General on behalf of each of our registrants. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept criminal record checks that are not conducted through us.
How long will it take to do a criminal record check?
If there are no relevant criminal records, CRPNBC is informed within one to two weeks after the consent is submitted to the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. If there is a possible record and fingerprints are required, it may be six months or more before the outcome is known.
How often will I need to have a criminal record check done?
Beginning in 2008, all registrants are required to undergo a re-check every five years. The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General will notify CRPNBC of any subsequent relevant criminal offences you may have. You are required to report any subsequent charges or convictions to CRPNBC (by submitting the consent form you are agreeing to this). In instances of subsequent relevant offence, an additional criminal record check may be required.
Will I be told about the results of the criminal record check?
You will be notified only if a possible relevant record is found.
What are the relevant criminal records that the Solicitor General will report to you?
A list is posted on the Criminal Records Review Program’s website at www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/criminal-records-review.
If I have a criminal record, who will have access to this information?
If you have a record, but it is not relevant to the protection of children, the Ministry Of Public Safety and Solicitor General does not release this information. If you have a relevant record, CRPNBC is informed that there is a relevant record, but no other information is provided. If the deputy registrar of the Criminal Records Review Program determines that a risk to children exists, CRPNBC and the employer(s) are notified. CRPNBC would take action using existing procedures. Information would be protected as it falls within the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
