Yes, almost every nursing board and medical licensing board in the U.S. requires a fingerprint-based background check that includes an FBI search. What differs from state to state is how you get fingerprinted: some boards require a specific vendor and code, while others accept ink cards from anywhere. This guide explains the common setups and what to do if you live in Oregon.
Applying to the Oregon State Board of Nursing? OSBN uses its own designated fingerprint vendor and emails you a code, so we can’t take OSBN prints. See our Oregon nursing license fingerprinting guide for the OSBN steps. We help with ink cards for boards in other states and with your own FBI background check.
Why boards require fingerprints
Nurses and physicians work with vulnerable patients and controlled medications, so state laws require boards to check criminal history before licensing. A fingerprint check is used because it matches records to you, not just to your name. See FBI vs. regular background checks.
The three ways boards collect fingerprints
| Setup | How it works | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| State vendor with a code | The board sends you a code for a specific vendor’s Live Scan network | Schedule with that vendor using the code |
| In-state Live Scan, ink cards out of state | Electronic prints only from in-state sites; out-of-state applicants mail cards | From Oregon, get ink FD-258 or board cards rolled |
| Ink cards only | The board mails or lists a card to complete | Get the cards rolled anywhere and mail them |
Licensed in Oregon, applying elsewhere?
Nurses moving or adding licenses in other states (California, Washington, Arizona, Texas and more) usually need ink cards when they can’t visit that state’s Live Scan sites. Use the cards and instructions your board gives you. See California license fingerprinting from Oregon for a worked example.
Checklist before your appointment
- Read the board’s fingerprint instructions and note the vendor, code or ORI number.
- Bring the board’s cards if it mailed them, plus an unexpired photo ID.
- Ask how many cards are required (often two).
- Mail cards promptly with the board’s fee; processing can take weeks.
How we can help
- Ink FD-258 and board-specific cards for out-of-state nursing and medical boards ($35 per FD-258 card; see pricing)
- Your own FBI background check to review your record before you apply
- Florida nursing and healthcare checks through Florida Live Scan (FDLE)
Frequently asked questions
Is a nursing background check the same as an FBI check?
It usually includes an FBI check plus a state check, run by the board. You don’t receive the results yourself; the board does.
Will an old arrest stop me from getting licensed?
Boards review records case by case. Being upfront and having court paperwork ready helps. See can you fail an FBI background check.
