Conducting Criminal Record Checks in Louisiana

Louisiana now provides that employers may refuse to hire individuals based on certain criminal background information. Also, if the results of a criminal history background check reveal that any licensed ambulance personnel or nonlicensed person has been convicted of an offense that includes the distribution or possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, the employer may refuse to hire or contract with that person.

In Louisiana, it is unlawful for a public or private employer to recover the costs of fingerprinting that is required as a condition of employment from applicants or employees.

No person may be hired by the state department of health and human services to investigate child abuse or to work in a juvenile detention center, correction or treatment facility until a set of the individual's fingerprints has been submitted to the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information for a criminal background check.

When criminal background information is requested for persons applying for a position of supervisory or disciplinary authority over children, the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information is required to provide information regarding all criminal convictions for a period of ten years prior to the request.

Nurses and nursing applicants are required to undergo a criminal background check as a condition of licensure.

A nurse's aide offered temporary employment prior to the receipt of the results of a required criminal history check must be under the direct supervision of a permanent employee or in the presence of a member of the immediate family of the patient or a caregiver designated by a family member.

A person is not disqualified or ineligible to practice or engage in any trade, occupation or profession which requires a license solely because of a prior criminal record.