The Criminal Records Review Act requires all regulated health professionals, including registrants of CSHBC, to undergo a criminal record check (CRC). CSHBC facilitates the CRC on behalf of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General’s Criminal Records Review Program. The CRC requirement is intended to help protect children and vulnerable adults from physical, sexual, and financial abuse. CSHBC may also use the information obtained via a CRC to determine if applicants and registrants meet the registration requirements for “good character” and “fitness to practise”.

Applicants must provide authorization to undergo a CRC as part of the application process, and registrants must undergo a new CRC every 5 years. In addition, Non-practising registrants applying for Full registration status must authorize a new CRC.

Applicants and registrants must cover the cost of their own CRC, which is $28. CSHBC is statutorily required to collect this fee on behalf of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General and does not retain any of these funds.

Criminal Record Check FAQs

What does the process look like?

• New applicants, current registrants due for a 5-year re-check, and Non-practising registrants applying for Full registration status are required to submit their consent to a CRC and CRC payment ($28) as part of their online application/renewal application. For new applicants, download the Consent to Criminal Record Check form (PDF) (also available for download in the Applicant Portal), fill out the form, sign it, and upload the signed form in the Applicant Portal. Applicants will also need to upload a copy of 2 pieces of acceptable identification.
• CSHBC forwards the consent and payment provided to the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
• The Ministry completes checks against provincial and RCMP data. If criminal records are found, they are examined by the Ministry to determine the risk to children and vulnerable adults.
• CSHBC receives confirmation directly from the Ministry if no relevant record is found.
• If it appears that a relevant record may exist, the Ministry may request the individual to provide fingerprints to the RCMP. CSHBC will be advised by the Ministry that fingerprinting has been requested. The individual undergoing the CRC is responsible for any costs associated with fingerprinting.
• If a criminal record exists, but the Ministry determines that there is no risk to children and vulnerable adults, CSHBC is advised. CSHBC may further review this finding to determine if the individual meets the “good character” requirement for registration. As part of this review, CSHBC may request the Ministry’s reasons for their determination and may request further information from the individual that is the subject of the CRC to assess their registration application (for applicants) or whether a referral to the Inquiry Committee may be warranted (for registrants).
• If the Ministry determines that a risk exists, the individual and CSHBC are informed, and CSHBC must act in accordance with the Health Professions Act.
• The individual may appeal the decision of the Ministry. 

I already have a CRC – do I need to authorize another one?

• If you have a Criminal Records Review Program CRC that you obtained within 60 days of your application to CSHBC, you may have the Ministry share the results of your CRC with CSHBC. This will exempt you from the requirement to provide a new CRC authorization. CRC results older than 60 days from the date of your application will not be accepted and you will be required to authorize and pay for a new CRC.
• CSHBC does not accept criminal record checks performed via the RCMP. Your CRC must be processed through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. The Ministry checks relevant records that are not included in RCMP criminal record checks, including young offenders’ records.

I have a current criminal record check from another jurisdiction – can I use this to meet the CRC requirement?

• The Criminal Records Review Act and the CSHBC Bylaws dictate that the only way to meet the CRC requirement is to authorize a CRC via the BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. There are no exceptions.
• Applicants for Temporary and Temporary (teaching) registration who are currently practising outside of Canada must provide a criminal record check from that jurisdiction in addition to a Criminal Records Review Program

As a registrant of CSHBC, how do I authorize a new CRC every 5 years?

• At registration renewal, if your CRC is due to expire in the new registration year, you will be required to authorize and pay for a new CRC through the Registrant Portal, along with your registration renewal fee.

I am a Non-practising or Retired registrant – do I still need to authorize a new CRC every 5 years?

• Yes – in line with the Criminal Records Review Act, the CRC requirement applies to all registrants of CSHBC.

Will I receive a copy of the results of my CRC?

• If your CRC shows no relevant records, CSHBC will be notified. You will not receive a copy of this CRC.
• If relevant records are found or fingerprinting is required, you will be notified. You will be responsible for any additional costs related to fingerprinting.

Can I share the results of my CRC with a third party such as my employer?

• CSHBC will not share or discuss the results of your CRC with any third party. However, you may request that the Ministry share the results of your CRC with others.

What are relevant criminal records?

• The Criminal Records Review Act lists relevant offences associated with risks to children and vulnerable adults. Convictions related to provincial or minor criminal offences, not related to the protection of children and vulnerable adults, are not included. However, you will still need to declare these to CSHBC as part of the online registration/renewal application process.
• Under the Criminal Records Review Act, convictions include “conditional discharges,” “alternative measures”, and “peace bonds” ordered under sections 717 and 810 of the Criminal Code.

I am an applicant with a relevant record – how do I notify CSHBC?

• During the online application process, you will be asked if you have been charged or convicted with a criminal offence and if so, to provide details. You will be required to declare that your response(s) to these questions is truthful and accurate.
• CSHBC recommends that applicants with a relevant record start the application process as early as possible. The existence of a criminal record does not necessarily mean that you cannot become registered with CSHBC, but the application process may take longer.

What if I am charged or convicted with an offence while registered with CSHBC?

• You are required under the College’s Bylaw 81 to promptly report any changes to your registration information to the College, including charges or convictions, conditional discharges, alternative measures, and peace bonds, to CSHBC.
• In such instances, an additional criminal record check or other regulatory action by the College may be required to ensure the public is protected.