Criminal record checks
Criminal record checks ensure that CHCPBC licensees provide safe, ethical care.
The Criminal Records Review Act requires that every healthcare professional undergo a criminal record check at the time of initial application for licensure and every five years thereafter.
Your role:
Consent to a criminal record check and maintain an up-to-date profile
When you submit your application for licensure—and, subsequently, when you complete your annual licence renewal—you’ll be asked to consent to CHCPBC initiating a criminal record check on your behalf.
It’s important to make sure your personal information is always up to date—including your name, address, and email address—in the Licensee Portal. Incorrect information can delay the criminal record check process.
Additionally, watch for correspondence from CHCPBC or the Criminal Records Review Program while your criminal record check is in progress. Your prompt attention will ensure there are no delays if additional details or steps (such as fingerprinting) are required to complete your criminal record check.
CHCPBC’s role:
Initiate criminal record checks as required under the Criminal Records Review Act
With your consent, CHCPBC will initiate your criminal record check through the BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. The Ministry will send the results directly to CHCPBC.
We will repeat this process every 5 years, as the results of your most recent criminal record check approach their expiry.
If you have practised a health profession outside of Canada within the past 5 years, CHCPBC may also contact you to request evidence of your criminal record status in other jurisdictions. For more information, see our Criminal Record Check – Outside of Canada policy (PDF). Please do not initiate this process until you have received instructions from CHCPBC.
Learn more about the criminal record check process on the Government of British Columbia website.