Frequently Asked Questions

1. Question: Why do I need to do a background check for my application? What is the purpose?

Answer: The background check is used strictly for admission purposes. The background check is not for determination of employment or graduation. Licensure (by a State Board of Nursing, or other agency, for example) may require additional background checks. Potential employers will most likely conduct a background check if you apply for employment in a healthcare-related field.

2. Question: Is a background check required?

Answer: Yes. If you have been asked to complete a background check, one is required for acceptance into the program of study and/or to attend clinical at a hospital or healthcare facility.

3. Question: Is the background check required for all students?

Answer: Yes. Background checks are mandated for all students attending clinical. The background check is one of the methods used to ensure a safe and healthy environment at the healthcare facility.

4. Question: Why is a background check required?

Answer: Students participating in clinical programs at healthcare facilities must undergo a background check similar in scope to the background check conducted on the facility’s own employees. A consistent background check process helps ensure the safety and well being of patients, students and hospital personnel.

5. Question: What if a student does not comply with the background check requirements?

Answer: The student will not be allowed to enter the healthcare facility for clinical until the background check has been successfully completed. Accordingly, the student may not be accepted into or allowed to continue/complete the program of study until the background check has been successfully completed.

6. Question: Do I have to order my background check through this website?

Answer: Yes, you must place your order through the website. Students are responsible for entering the information used for the background check accurately and completely. Information provided by phone or fax is subject to miscommunication, such as handwriting that is difficult to read, telephone static, etc. Therefore, all students must enter their own information through the website and accept responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided.

7. Question: How is the price of the background check determined?

Answer: American DataBank works closely with our education clients so we can offer our students highly discounted pricing. Factors such as third party or court fees, the number of previous addresses and the use of prior names affect total charges.

8. Question: Will my school reimburse me for the cost of my order?

Answer: Typically, students are responsible for order payment. Reimbursement would be at the school’s discretion and would need to be discussed with the school directly.

9. Question: Can I pay with my debit card?

Answer: If your debit card is backed by VISA or MasterCard, it may be used for payment.

10. Question: I do not have a credit card. What other payment options are available?

Answer: Other payment options are available:

1. You may pay with a gift card bearing a VISA, MasterCard or American Express logo.
2. You may select “Money Order” as your payment type. Mail your money order with a copy of the on-line order confirmation page to American DataBank. Your order will be processed as soon as payment has been received. Our mailing address is American DataBank, 700 17th Street, 10th Floor, Denver, CO 80202.

11. Question: A third party would like to pay for my order. How can this be arranged?

Answer: Place the order through the web site. At the end of the process, select “Money Order” as the payment type. The third party may then contact American DataBank to make payment.

12. Question: Is the cost of my order refundable?

Answer: No, once you have placed the order, it is not refundable.

13. Question: I am no longer in the program. Can I cancel the report I requested?

Answer: There is no way to cancel an order after it is submitted. Orders are processed immediately. Many search results return instantly and nearly all results are available within 48 hours.

14. Question: I made a mistake on my order. Can I change the information I submitted?

Answer: There is no way to change information once an order is submitted. Orders are processed immediately. Many search results return instantly and nearly all results are available within 48 hours.

15. Question: How can I obtain a copy of the completed report?

Answer: You can login to your account to obtain a copy of the completed report.

16. Question: I requested a copy but never received one. Can I get another copy?

Answer: Spam blockers and other email filters often misinterpret email attachments as spam. Please look for our message in your spam blocker or junk mail folder. You can also login to your account to obtain a copy of the completed report.

17. Question: I requested a report some time ago can I still get a copy?

Answer: American Databank retains reports indefinitely. Copies of completed reports are always available. Please contact American Databank and request to receive a copy via email.

18. Question: How long is my background check valid?

Answer: The report reflects information available on the date of completion – and nothing after. Your Institution will determine the acceptable amount of time since the background check. Some accept background checks completed within the past 90 days, others the past 6 months or even within the last year.

19. Question: How far back do results go?

Answer: American Databank reports as much information as allowed under individual jurisdiction policy. The number of years reported varies by State and county. Some jurisdictions report records from more than 20 years ago; others limit information to the last 7 years.

20. Question: I have a record from 20 years ago. How can I tell if it will still show up on my record?

Answer: American Databank reports as much information as allowed under individual jurisdiction policy. The number of years reported varies by State and county. Some jurisdictions report records from more than 20 years ago; others limit information to the last 7 years.

21. Question: Are juvenile records included in the results?

Answer: American Databank will only report juvenile records reported by the court. Most states only report juvenile records when the juvenile was charged as an adult.

22. Question: I had a record expunged. Will that record show up?

Answer: American DataBank does not report records that have been expunged, sealed or otherwise removed from court records. American Databank does not have legal access to sealed court records.

23. Question: My background check report was flagged. What does this mean?

Answer: A report may be flagged for one of several reasons: a court record may have been found, the FBI may have reported information as the result of a fingerprint search, a drug screen may have been positive – or, the flag can indicate that an order has expired. If you have questions, please contact American DataBank for further assistance.

24. Question: My report was flagged. What can I do if I disagree with the information reported?

Answer: As a third party consumer reporting agency, American DataBank reports information as it is received from our sources. If you believe that any information we reported is incorrect or inaccurate, you may contact us to dispute the information.

25. Question: Can American DataBank tell me whether I have been admitted to my program?

Answer: American DataBank is a third party consumer reporting agency and can only provide information regarding the searches we conduct. We do not assist with admission or acceptance decisions, and we are not privy to any decisions made by your program or institution.