UW-Madison School of Nursing
Student Compliance with Wisconsin CareGiver Law

Under the authority of Wisconsin Act 27, known as the Caregiver Law, background checks are required of licensed caregivers and others associated with health and child care facilities in Wisconsin including students receiving clinical training at these facilities.  For more information about Wisconsin Act 27, please see the Department of Health and Family Services website, www.dhfs.state.wi.us.

Applicants accepted into the program are required to complete a background check.  The information obtained by this check is used by the program’s clinical training facilities to determine the individual’s eligibility to train within the facility.  A Wisconsin background check is required of all applicants regardless of their place of residence.  If an applicant has resided in another state(s) within 3 years of initiating the Wisconsin check, a background check is also required in that state(s).

Background check reports are received by the program, and the results are sent to the clinical training facilities.  Results that contain certain types of convictions, arrests, or a history of improper behavior that demonstrate the potential for harm to a vulnerable population will be evaluated by the facilities to determine the individual’s eligibility for training at that site.  The Caregiver Law identifies numerous “serious crimes” that automatically bar an individual from participation in clinical experiences, unless the individual completes the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services rehabilitation review process.  The list of “serious crimes” can be found on the web site noted above.  The initial background check will be in effect for four years.  If, during that four year period, the individual notifies the program that he/she has been convicted of a crime, or is under investigation for a crime, or if the program learns of this information from another source, another background check will be conducted.  Likewise, if an individual remains in the program for more than four years, another background check is required.  Please note that an individual who is deemed ineligible to participate in clinical training based on the results of the check may not be able to complete the requirements for the degree.

Background checks are conducted by Verified Credentials, Inc., a national background screening company, on behalf of the program via the company’s on-line order system.  All fees associated with the check are the responsibility of the applicant.  The results of the check will be returned to the applicant and will be sent to the program for review as outlined above. 

To place a background check order, please go to the following web site and follow the instructions: www.myvci.com/uwmad.  Orders should be placed as soon as possible so that results are available prior to the beginning of the term.

EXEMPTION: International Students who have not lived in the United States prior to attending UW-Madison School of Nursing are exempt from completing the online background check through Verified Credentials but they are required to complete a Background Information Disclosure (BID) Form.  The information obtained is used by the program’s clinical training facilities to determine the individual’s eligibility to train within the facility. Please contact the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing, Academic Programs – K6/146, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53792-2455; 608-263-5202 to obtain a copy of the BID Form.

If you have questions about this requirement, please contact Academic Programs at 608/263-5202.  Questions or concerns about the Verified Credentials on-line order system should be directed to Verified Credentials at 1-800-473-4934.