An Act To Require The Board Of Counseling Professionals Licensure, Board Of Dental Practice, Board Of Speech, Audiology And Hearing And Board Of Occupational Therapy Practice To Obtain Fingerprint-Based Federal Bureau Of Investigation Criminal Background Checks For Initial Applicants And Licensees Seeking Compact Privileges

LD 1854 requires four Maine licensing boards (Counseling Professionals, Dental Practice, Speech/Audiology/Hearing, and Occupational Therapy) to obtain fingerprint-based FBI criminal background checks for two groups: 1) new applicants seeking licensure, and 2) currently licensed professionals applying for "compact privileges" (which allow practice in other states that have the same licensing compact). The bill amends state law to mandate these checks, with applicants covering the associated fees. It directly affects healthcare professionals in these specific fields who are either applying for their first license or seeking multi-state practice authorization. The policy change standardizes background screening for these licensed roles, aligning with interstate licensing agreements.