Each applicant for licensure as a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, certified registered nurse anesthetist, or clinical nurse specialist in this state shall submit to a state and federal criminal background investigation by means of fingerprint checks by the Division of Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Upon application, the Board of Nursing shall submit completed fingerprint cards to the Division of Criminal Investigation. Upon completion of the criminal background check, the Division of Criminal Investigation shall forward to the board all information obtained as a result of the criminal background check. This information shall be obtained prior to permanent licensure of the applicant. The Board of Nursing may require a state and federal criminal background check for any licensee who is the subject of a disciplinary investigation by the board. Failure to submit or cooperate with the criminal background investigation is grounds for denial of an application or may result in revocation of a license. The applicant shall pay for any fees charged for the cost of fingerprinting or the criminal background investigation.
SDCL 36-9-97