Rhode Island General Laws Title 5. Businesses and Professions § 5-34-43. Criminal records review

(a) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary contained in any general or public law, rule, or regulation, any person seeking a license to practice under this chapter, or who is previously licensed and authorized to practice under this chapter and is seeking employment, shall undergo a federal and statewide criminal background check (BCI) that shall be processed prior to receiving a license to practice or to enter into employment.

(b) The applicant shall apply to the bureau of criminal identification for a national criminal records check that shall include fingerprints submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Upon the discovery of any disqualifying information, the bureau of criminal identification will inform the applicant in writing of the nature of the disqualifying information and, without disclosing the nature of the disqualifying information, will notify the licensing agency or the potential employer in writing that disqualifying information has been discovered.

(c) The applicant against whom disqualifying information has been found may request that a copy of the criminal background report be sent to the licensing agency or the potential employer. The licensing agency or the potential employer shall make a judgment regarding the issuing of a license.

(d) In those situations in which no disqualifying information has been found, the bureau of criminal identification shall inform the applicant and the licensing agency or the potential employer in writing of this fact.

(e) It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to pay for the criminal records check.