Changes are taking place within healthcare facilities nationally. These changes directly affect all health programs at EPCC. The Joint Commission of Accreditation of Hospitals Organization (JCAHO), which accredits healthcare facilities across the country, enforced background screening in September 2004 and has set requirements mandating that students in a healthcare field must now complete the same background check as hospital employees. A background investigation must be completed prior to your acceptance into most health program or course at EPCC. EPCC uses Complio, a comprehensive tool from American DataBank for student screening, immunizations and compliance.
Students are responsible for the cost associated with the background investigation, and the investigation must be conducted by an approved company. Your clearance will be sent directly to the dean/director of your program at the college. There are two levels of background screening. Level I includes all students, while Level II is specifically for students already licensed or certified in any area.
Level 1 requires:
- Social Security Number Verification
- Criminal Search ( 7 years or up to 5 criminal searches )
- Violent Sexual Offender and Predator Registry Search
- OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities
- GSA List of Parties Excluded from Federal Programs
- US Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), List of Specially Designated Nationals (SDN)
- State Exclusion List www.hhsc.state.us
Level 2 requires:
- All of Level I elements License verification
- Certification Verification Employment
- Verification (Include reason for separation and eligibility for re-hire for each employer)
Substance abuse screening should be completed no more than 90 days prior to beginning clinical. Students who withdraw from health related coursework for one semester or longer, are required to repeat substance abuse screening and/or background checks testing upon re-enrolling in health related courses.
- If you do not have a Social Security Card, use all zeros when prompted. You will need to bring a photo ID to finalize your background clearance.