Submission and use of fingerprints for criminal history background check; costs; confidentiality.

(a) Each applicant for a multistate license as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse, and each applicant for initial licensure by endorsement as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse, shall submit a full set of fingerprints to the board for the purpose of obtaining a state and national criminal history background check.

(b) Fingerprints obtained pursuant to subsection (a) may be exchanged by the board, the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency or any successor entity thereof, or any channeler approved by the board, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the purpose of obtaining a state and national criminal history background check.

(c) The applicant or licensee shall be responsible for all costs associated with the submission of his or her fingerprints and obtaining a state and national criminal history background check. The board may incorporate those costs into the cost of licensure or may charge the applicant or licensee a separate fee, which may be payable to the board, the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency or any successor entity thereof, or the approved channeler, as appropriate.

(d) Information received by the board pursuant to a state and national criminal history background check shall be confidential and shall not be a public record, except that any information received by and relied upon by the board in denying the issuance of a license or revoking, suspending, or disciplining a license or licensee may be disclosed as necessary to support the denial or revocation, suspension, or other disciplinary action.

(Act 2019-102, §2.)