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JRCERT Update

Background Checks and Drug Screenings

for Radiologic Science Students

Loraine Zelna, MS, R.T.(R)(MR)
Julia Works, JD

ontractual obligations between an educational institutions can determine whether clearances are
institution and clinical education settings required. In such instances, the institution is respon-
might require students and faculty associated sible for creating a policy. The Joint Commission will
Cwith programs accredited by the Joint Review review the institutional clearance requirements to
Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology ensure that they comply with the institutional policy for
(JRCERT) to complete criminal background checks institutions they accredit. 2
and drug testing. These checks and testings are referred
to as clearances. The JRCERT does not mandate clear- Criminal Background Checks
ances; however, because JRCERT-accredited programs Criminal background clearances identify informa-
must conform to the requirements of the clinical educa- tion relative to an applicant’s felony and misdemeanor
tion center, they might need to develop processes to convictions, arrests, and pending criminal mat-
obtain, maintain, and monitor the results of the clear- ters. The information contained in the report varies
ance requirements. 1 depending on what the screening company chooses to
Programs must be cognizant of the federal and report and what the institution requests. The main-
state laws, regulations, and organizational policies that tenance and upkeep of state criminal records is the
require criminal background checks and understand responsibility of individual county and state reposito-
how they affect a student’s ability to obtain clinical ries. These records contain information about crimes
experiences, certification, licensure, and employment. prosecuted at the state level for violations of state law.
The clinical sites JRCERT programs typically use are Records containing information about federal crimes
accredited by The Joint Commission, or similar accred- are maintained in federal records. It is best practice to
iting organizations. Similar to the JRCERT, The Joint search both state and federal records to obtain a com-
Commission does not require employees, volunteers, prehensive report of an individual’s criminal record.
or students working in accredited institutions to obtain However, because state laws restrict disclosure of
clearances. Rather, accredited institutions “would be certain information—such as juvenile records, plea
expected to have criminal background checks verified bargains, and other information that precludes sharing
when required by law, regulation, and organization criminal records across state lines—criminal back-
policy.” If state law necessitates clearances, then the ground checks are not always complete. Admissions
2
institution is responsible for documenting and main- applications and applications for certification or licen-
taining them. In the absence of state law, educational sure should include questions that elicit a detailed

RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY, May/June 2018, Volume 89, Number 5 523
Reprinted with permission from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for educational purposes. ©2019. All rights reserved.