Criminal History Records Checks

Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) is only required for applicants applying for initial licensure and reinstatement ‐ not for license renewal.

Health Occupations Article §14-308.1 Md. Code Annotated requires State Board of Physicians applicants and licensees to submit to Criminal History Records Checks (CHRCs) as a qualification for licensure, and added a new ground for disciplinary action if a licensee fails to submit to a required CHRC.

The Board recommends that applicants and licensees do not submit your fingerprints earlier than 6 weeks before the date you intend to complete your initial license and/or reinstatement application. The Board is authorized to retain CHRC information for 90 days.

Your licensure name must match your CHRC fingerprint request name. If there's a discrepancy, we cannot match the CHRC report to your license. If your name has legally changed, you should submit a Name Change Application (Physician Name Change Request Form or Allied Health Name Change Request Form prior to submitting a CHRC. Once processed, the Board will be able to match the CHRC to the licensure name.

Results of a CHRC in another state or conducted elsewhere in Maryland cannot be sent to the Board. Each entity/agency/employer has a unique authorization code from CJIS and the FBI. The responses are sent directly to the appropriate agency. CHRCs cannot be shared between entities/agencies/employers.

You have to apply for a CHRC for the Maryland Board of Physicians.

* Please do not contact the Board to verify receipt or submit receipts. The Board receives electronic CHRC notifications within 72 hours.

When you receive your CHRC results (by mail), the Board receives results at the same time. Do not call the Board to verify receipt of your CHRC results. Board staff will not verify receipt of results. Retain your receipt in your records.

Positive results are considered by the Board on a case-by-case basis. The Board must consider numerous factors pursuant to Health Occupations §14-313 and Criminal Procedure §1-209. If you receive a request from the Board for additional information, please submit your response as quickly as possible so delays in the process can be avoided.