Licensure With Convictions.pdf

Applicants with convictions or disciplinary actions must go through extra review steps when applying for a license or registration with the Board. The Board's goal is to protect consumers in California by ensuring all licensees and registrants are safe to practice. Key points include:
- Disclosure of conviction history is not required, but applicants may voluntarily provide information to support their case.
- A license can be denied if the applicant has a conviction substantially related to their profession within the past seven years, or if they have a serious felony conviction or a crime requiring sex offender registration.
- Certain circumstances, such as expunged convictions or proof of rehabilitation, can prevent license denial.
- The Board will not consider convictions prior to age 18, dismissed charges, or certain minor offenses.
- Arrests without convictions cannot be used to deny a license.
- Formal discipline from another licensing board can lead to license denial if it was for professional misconduct substantially related to the profession within the past seven years.
- Applicants have the right to appeal a denied application and can request a copy of their conviction history from the California Department of Justice.
- The Board considers whether a conviction is "substantially related" to the profession and evaluates evidence of rehabilitation before making a decision.