CBCs: Continuing Education Steven T. Case, Ph.D. Associate Dean for Admissions University of Mississippi School of Medicine

Guide to Effective Practices for Criminal Background Checks Sections I: Current Views of the AAMC Governance and Member Schools I: Current Views of the AAMC Governance and Member Schools II: Best Practices III: Reviewing Criminal History Information

Guide to Effective Practices for Criminal Background Checks Appendices A: Sample Documents Currently Used by Medical Schools A: Sample Documents Currently Used by Medical Schools B: Background Check to be Facilitated by the AAMC B: Background Check to be Facilitated by the AAMC C: Criminal System Disparities D: School Contact Information E: FAQ

Finger Prints vs. Certiphi Screening 2004 Mississippi statute requires CBCs based on finger prints SOM policy is acquire digital prints on interview day and submit immediately to Mississippi Public Safety Commission and Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation

2007 AMCAS begins pilot program for centralized CBCs conducted by Certiphi Screening, Inc. CBC based on inspection of various electronic [database] and physical [courthouse] records AMCAS policy is to begin process upon acceptance Finger Prints vs. Certiphi Screening

After three cycles [ ] Small number of hits [~ 3% of applicants] CBC reports from these two sources often vary Finger print reports anchored by arrest; often lack final disposition Certiphi reports contain a greater number of incidents and, if available, final disposition of case Finger Prints vs. Certiphi Screening

Customer Satisfaction Certiphi Screening, Inc. provides Schools timely, responsive, and proactive service Applicants an opportunity to review and correct CBC before report is released No instance of data released by Certiphi being inaccurate

Lessons Learned and letter of acceptance, Bulletin and Web site state that offers are conditional and reasons why an offer may be rescinded, including unfavorable CBC. Review of CBC should include severity and frequency of crime, time lapsed since incident(s) occurred, evidence of rehabilitation, and elements of professionalism

Lessons Learned Patterns of behavior revealed by combination of CBCs and self reported convictions and institutional actions in AMCAS DateOffenseDispositionAMCASFINGCERT 7/21/05MIPPled guiltyYES 10/15/05DUIPled guiltyYES 11/8/07DUIPendingYES

Lessons Learned Convictions self reported versus those found by CBC Applicants should be advised to self disclose Failure to report may be more serious than crime for which applicant was convicted Anticipate increase in number of AAMC investigations requested and 3 month delay in processing

Lessons Learned Schools and applicants must learn what crimes are considered a misdemeanor in which states. In Mississippi, a speeding ticket may be reported as misdemeanor

Lessons Learned CBCs are dynamic and will be redundant Finger print at interviews [up to 11 months before matriculation] Certiphi Screening at acceptance [January embargo up to 8 months before matriculation] Finger printing by VA upon matriculation Hospitals vary in what they will accept as up-to-date CBC

CBCs at Admissions PDC "Admissions 2009: Combining Tradition and Innovation in a Rapidly Changing World" June 25–28, 2009 Harbor Beach Marriott Resort and Spa Fort Lauderdale, FL CBC plenary session on Saturday will include Case studies Alternative outcomes