You’ve worked hard to get your foot in the door of the healthcare industry. But then you remember that misstep from a few years ago—Can you work In Health Care with a misdemeanor?
The answer is, “Not necessarily!” Even with a misdemeanor on your record, you may still be able to work in health care.
Of course, it depends on the specifics of your offense and the type of role you’re hoping to take on.
In this article, we’ll look at what employers will likely consider when hiring someone with a misdemeanor for a healthcare role.
With some research and savvy job application skills, you may find an opportunity to make your career dreams come true.
The Impact of Working in Healthcare with A Misdemeanor
If you’re considering a career in health care and have a misdemeanor on your record, you might wonder if this will disqualify you from working there.
The answer is not so simple—it depends on the seriousness of the misdemeanor, the type of healthcare position you’re applying for, and even where you live.
Misdemeanors are considered less severe than felonies but can still carry serious consequences.
Depending on your state, misdemeanors range from minor infractions like speeding to more serious crimes like theft or assault.
Each state has different laws regarding what constitutes a misdemeanor and its consequences.
When you apply for a job in the healthcare sector, recruiters will perform a background check, and your record might negatively impact your chances of getting employment.
For example, some states require healthcare employers to obtain criminal background clearances for all hiring candidates.
As a result, having a misdemeanor on your record—even one unrelated to the job at hand—could disqualify you from being considered by that employer.
It’s also important to consider the type of offense when thinking about the potential implications of having a misdemeanor on your healthcare job applications:
- Was it committed intentionally or unintentionally?
- Are you open and honest about why the offense happened?
- How long ago did the offense take place?
- Is there evidence that you’ve tried to change your actions or attitudes since the incident occurred positively?
Most importantly, if you’re considering applying for a healthcare job but have any prior conviction on your record.
It’s best to consult with an attorney specializing in criminal law before submitting applications or attending interviews—they’ll have the best insight.
Health Care Careers and Regulations
So, you might be wondering, “Can I still work in health care even if I have a misdemeanor?” It depends on the job you want and which type of misdemeanor you have.
Chances are you’ve heard of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Health Care Quality Improvement Act (HCQIA).
These two acts are part of a long list of regulations that govern healthcare professions. In particular, they provide guidelines for hiring healthcare personnel.
HIPAA
HIPPA governs the security and privacy of personal health information in all aspects of providing healthcare services.
To protect patients’ records, healthcare employers must do background checks to make sure anyone hired is trustworthy.
This means that depending on the job, having a criminal record could limit your hiring ability.
HCQIA
The HCQIA establishes standards for employee qualifications in specific healthcare fields.
It also outlines a process for employers to take disciplinary action against employees who don’t adhere to industry standards.
So if you were convicted of a patient care or safety crime, this could impact your ability to work in specific healthcare roles.
Fortunately, each state also has laws about how misdemeanors are handled for employment in healthcare professions.
So it pays to research what’s legal where you live so you can decide which jobs you can pursue with your misdemeanor on record.
Background Check Compliance Requirements for Employment in Healthcare
Do you know much about background check compliance requirements for employment in healthcare?
The laws regulating background checks can vary state-by-state and even employer-by-employer.
However, most employers hiring in the healthcare field will require background checks.
The purpose of the background check is to ensure that the new hire is not a threat to patient safety or security and that no corporate assets are at risk of theft.
Certain misdemeanors may disqualify you from working in healthcare, depending on the state.
Here’s an overview of what typically happens with background checks:
- A job candidate will be asked to fill out various forms providing permission for the employer to do a background check on them.
- The employer will then conduct research into the candidate’s resume and references.
- The employer can contact previous employers and other sources to provide information about the individual’s character or past performance.
- The employer might contact local or state police departments or other government agencies to verify whether there were any criminal charges or convictions against the job candidate.
- Background checks may also include verifying any applicable professional licenses held by an individual.
- Employers may also contact credit reporting agencies to verify credit damage that could financially harm their organization.
To sum it up: if you have a misdemeanor, you must understand your state’s laws before applying for healthcare jobs. Be sure to research your options before submitting your application!
How to Overcome Challenges Posed by Having a Misdemeanor
There can be some challenges when working in health care with a misdemeanor on your record.
But that doesn’t mean they’re insurmountable. While having a misdemeanor on your record won’t keep you from getting the job, you may still have to overcome some obstacles.
Here are a few steps that can help:
1. Know Your Rights
Employers often engage in “reverse discrimination” by refusing to hire someone with a criminal record because of the potential for increased risk of harm—but that’s illegal.
2. Be Honest
Be honest about your record during job interviews and background checks. It’s essential, to be honest and forthright about any convictions on your record.
It will only reflect worse on you if the employer finds out later and catches you in dishonesty.
3. Use Felon-friendly Organizations
Utilize resources like The National Reentry Resource Center or the Second Chance Community Organization for referral information.
You can also use them as support resources specific to criminal justice system involvement that might be helpful during the job search process.
4. Get Rid of Your Record
Consider getting your criminal record expunged or sealed or pursuing a pardon or clemency when appropriate.
This will appear as “no criminal history” on any employer background check.
It could improve the chances of employment in healthcare facilities (and other employers).
Taking these steps can help empower those seeking employment in health care with a misdemeanor conviction, so don’t give up – there are still plenty of options available!
Tips for Proactively Managing the Impact of a Misdemeanor on Healthcare Career Opportunities
Having a misdemeanor on your record can be a huge hurdle when entering the healthcare field, but there are still ways you can manage the impact it has on your opportunities.
Here are a few tips to proactively keep your career moving forward:
- Research state-specific healthcare licensing requirements and regulations to understand what background checks are required and what misdemeanors will disqualify you from certain positions.
- Make sure all information on resumes and job applications is accurate and up-to-date, including any citations or misdemeanors that may apply.
- Seek out employers who don’t ask questions about prior felony or misdemeanor convictions during the pre-employment screening.
- Be upfront about the incident during interviews. Explain how you’ve learned from the experience. It may be rehabilitation or other positive steps since then that have prepared you for your role in healthcare.
- Consider seeking a mentor in healthcare or outside of it who can guide you on navigating specific career paths with a misdemeanor on your record.
- Ask if an employer offers deferred disposition or expungement programs that could reduce the impact of a misdemeanor charge on future employment opportunities in healthcare roles.
Conclusion
If you have a misdemeanor conviction, you may be able to work in health care, but it depends on the type of job you’re looking for and the employer’s policy.
It’s essential to be honest and open about your criminal record when applying to jobs in health care, as background checks are often part of the hiring process.
Finally, don’t let a misdemeanor conviction stop you from pursuing a career in health care.
By being proactive in managing your misdemeanor and understanding what steps to take, you may still be able to pursue a successful career in healthcare without issue!
There are several resources available that can help you find the right job for you and increase your chances of success.
It’s worth researching and exploring the options to find out if you can work in health care with a misdemeanor.
