The board shall not issue a license or reinstate a license until what has been completed?

The requirement for the board to complete state and federal criminal background checks before issuing or reinstating a license reflects a critical aspect of regulatory oversight in professional licensing. This procedure is essential in ensuring that individuals seeking to obtain or renew their licenses do not have a history of criminal behavior that might pose a risk to the public or undermine the integrity of the profession.

Criminal background checks help in safeguarding public trust by confirming that licensees meet character standards necessary for their role. Many professions have ethical expectations that mandate a clean background in order to protect the public and maintain professional standards.

While continuing education, ethics training, and professional liability insurance are also important factors in maintaining professional competency, they do not carry the same immediate implications for public safety and trust as thorough background checks. These checks serve as a fundamental first step in the licensing process, setting the stage for the ethical and professional qualifications that follow.