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3. Public Health Criminal Background Check

Standard HR 1.20 promulgated in 2004 by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) in the Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Hospitals: Official Handbook requires hospitals to verify the criminal background of students and volunteers as well as hospital staff. Pursuant to Standard HR 1.20, a criminal background check is required in order for each student to participate in clinical experiences with clinical affiliates.

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This procedure is detailed below and on the New Jersey State Police web site.  Each student shall complete and submit the required form along with the appropriate fee.  Visit the New Jersey State Police to read “Instructions for Obtaining Your Criminal History Record” and download Form A  to request a criminal background check and fingerprinting through Morpho Trak IncOnce the form is completed, students must contact Morpho Trak – Ewing Parkway Corp. Center at the phone number provided below to schedule an appointment for fingerprinting.

Once an appointment is confirmed, the student must bring the completed form to the Center (or another branch office) to complete the criminal history record check and be fingerprinted. Students are responsible for the $40.70 fee for service (rates are subject to increase).  Only the following methods of payment are accepted: money order, credit card, or electronic debit card. Note that only money orders are accepted on site at the Center on the day of fingerprinting. Students are advised to pay in advance via credit card to avoid delay.

Be advised that appointments at Morpho Trak fill up quickly.  Inability to schedule an appointment within the required time period is NOT an acceptable excuse for missing the deadline for submitting results to the Public Health office. Plan ahead!

Morpho Trak – Ewing Parkway Corporate Center

1230 Parkway Avenue, Ste. 102
Ewing, NJ 08628
Phone: 877-503-5981

Office Hours: Monday through Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and on the 2nd & 4th Saturdays of the month: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.  Students must use Morpho Trak, but may utilize another branch office. For other branch locations, please contact the phone number listed above.  Office hours are subject to change.

Note: Students who live or have lived in Pennsylvania or other states must follow specific instructions to complete Form A.

Morpho Trak will typically complete the criminal history records check within 48 hours and will mail the results directly to the student. Students must submit the original results as part of their completed clinical folder documents. Students are advised to retain a copy for their personal file.

NOTE: A copy of the background check will be uploaded to the electronic portfolio, however only the original background check result will fulfill the requirement and is to be submitted to the office, Trenton Hall 206.

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