Q. Who must be fingerprinted?
All applicants for licensure must submit fingerprints for a state and national criminal background check. We must have the results of this background check before your application can be considered complete.
Q. How long can I expect the processing of my fingerprints to take?
After the Oregon Medical Board receives your fingerprints they are reviewed and sent to the Oregon State Police for processing. The average fingerprint processing time is 2 - 3 weeks. If you have questions regarding the status of your fingerprint processing, contact the Oregon Medical Board at 971-673-2700. Do not attempt to contact the Oregon State Police.
Q. Where can I get fingerprinting services?
Fingerprinting services are available from local law enforcement and some private agencies. The Oregon Medical Board or your local police can assist you in locating fingerprinting services. Please call the fingerprinting agency to ensure that you do not need an appointment, that they will sign the identification verification form, and that, if applicable, they are able to print LiveScan fingerprints on the card provided to you by the Board.
Q. How can I ensure that my fingerprints are of good quality?
Many health care professionals find it difficult to obtain quality fingerprints due to dry hands as a result of frequent hand washing. Moisturizing or applying cornhusker’s oil and/or witch-hazel on your hands prior to fingerprinting can help “raise” the prints, thus making them easier to read. Some people choose to use a facility that offers LiveScan as this fingerprinting method may produce better results.
Q. What is LiveScan?
LiveScan is an inkless electronic fingerprinting method where fingerprints are scanned and saved as a digital image. When done properly, LiveScan can have a greater success rate than the traditional ink method. The computer generated fingerprints must be printed on the fingerprint card provided by the Oregon Medical Board or an equivalent. LiveScan is not available in all areas.
Q. Why is the identification verification form required?
The identification verification form ensures the Oregon Medical Board that the fingerprinting agency obtained proper identification and that the fingerprints received belong to the said individual. Without the identification verification form, the Board has no assurance that the prints on the card belong to the person named on the card.
Q. What if the fingerprinting facility will not complete the identification verification form?
Some fingerprinting agencies have policies that prohibit the completion of external forms. If the fingerprinting agency is not able to fill out the Oregon Medical Board’s identification verification form, we will accept a written, signed document from the fingerprinting official attesting that identification was obtained. The alternative document must include the fingerprinting official’s contact information.
Q. What will happen if I submit my fingerprints without the required identification verification form?
Fingerprint cards that are received by the Board without a written document verifying that identification was obtained are shredded upon receipt. The subject is required to obtain a new set of prints and submit these along with the identification verification form.
Q. What information is required on the fingerprint card?
Review the fingerprint card to ensure that the following fields are complete: full name including aliases, date of birth, place of birth, citizenship, sex, race, height, weight, eye color, hair color, and social security number. The fingerprint card must be dated and signed by the fingerprinting official and the person being fingerprinted.
Q. Is it helpful to provide more than one fingerprint card?
In the event that your fingerprint cards are rejected, having additional fingerprint cards on file will reduce processing time and the likelihood of the need to obtain retakes. You may elect to provide up to three fingerprints cards. Additional fingerprinting fees may apply.
Q. What will happen if my fingerprints are rejected?
There is the possibility that your fingerprints will be rejected by the Oregon State Police and/or the FBI. It is extremely rare for fingerprints to be rejected more than three times. If you have supplied the Board with a backup fingerprint card, the backup card will be sent for processing. Otherwise, you will receive e-mail notification of the rejection, and a new fingerprint packet will be mailed to the mailing address on record.
Q. How can I tell if my fingerprints are of good quality?
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