Can I become a CNA if I was arrested but never charged?

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asked in Certification by Karen
I have a letter from the state attorney stating that no criminal charges were filed. My mom took my phone and I grabbed her hand to get it back and she called police to teach me a lesson. When they asked me if I touched her i was honest and said yes and they arrested me. i was 17 when that happened and I am now 18. I just do not want to go through the CNA school and pay for it and then have this create an issue or destroy my chances of becoming a CNA and maybe a nurse one day.

I paid for a level one background check and the arrest does not show up but from what I have read everything shows up on level two. I am hoping that since I was never charged, never had to got to court and everything was dropped that I would still be able to move forward and become a CNA. I reside in Florida and this is  where everything took place.

1 Answer

0 votes
answered by Jennifer

I think you are going to be fine but before paying for the course or exam you must contact the Florida Board of Nursing at 850-245-4125 or by using their contact form in order to get a definitive answer. Background screening is required by Florida law for all CNA applications and all criminal offenses are reviewed prior to licensure or certification. Applicants for initial licensure are required to submit fingerprints via Livescan for a Level II background screening. If the result of the background check shows arrests, offenses, or incomplete dispositions, you will receive a notice from the board requesting additional information.

Depending on the types and seriousness of the offenses, your application may be denied in which case you will receive an official document and will have the right to appeal the decision. Both felonies and misdemeanors may be disqualifying and each application is reviewed on its own merits. The Board of Nursing has created guidelines for specific offenses to be cleared, however the staff cannot make determinations in advance as laws and rules do change over time. The disqualifying offenses are outlined in Chapter 435: Employment Screening and Section 408.809: Background Screening; Prohibited Offenses, Florida Statutes.

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