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Bill

AB 160

Background checks.

2025-2026 Regular Session

AB 160 mandates fingerprint checks for medical license applicants in California, enhancing public safety by ensuring thorough criminal history evaluations.

Ordered to inactive file at the request of Senator Grayson.
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Bill Summary · AB 160

Summary of AB 160 - Background Checks

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: AB 160
  • Title: Background Checks
  • Status: Ordered to inactive file at the request of Senator Grayson
  • Introduced: January 08, 2025
  • Classification: Bill, Appropriation
  • Subject: Background Checks

Purpose and Intent

AB 160 aims to enhance the background check process for applicants seeking licensure in various medical professions in California. The bill seeks to ensure that all applicants undergo thorough criminal history checks by requiring them to submit fingerprint images to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Key Provisions

  1. Fingerprint Submission Requirement:

    • The Medical Board of California and the Osteopathic Medical Board of California will require all applicants to provide a full set of fingerprints for criminal history record checks.
    • The boards must submit these fingerprints and related information to the DOJ.

  2. Changes to Existing Law:

    • The bill eliminates the requirement for applicants to provide fingerprint cards or Live Scan forms to establish their identity and criminal history.
    • Instead, it mandates that the boards submit fingerprint images directly to the DOJ for a comprehensive criminal conviction record check.

  3. Responses from DOJ:

    • The DOJ is required to provide both state and federal-level responses regarding the criminal history of applicants.

  4. Impact on Various Professions:

    • The bill affects applicants for medical licenses, postgraduate training licenses, special faculty permits, and other related certifications, including midwives and psychologists.
    • It also revises requirements for the Licensed Physicians from Mexico Program by removing the need for a board review course score equivalent to U.S. standards.

  5. Fee Structure:

    • The DOJ will charge a fee for processing the fingerprint checks, as prescribed by the bill.

Affected Parties

  • Medical Professionals: Physicians, surgeons, osteopathic physicians, midwives, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals seeking licensure in California.
  • Regulatory Boards: The Medical Board of California, Osteopathic Medical Board of California, and the Board of Psychology will be directly involved in implementing these changes.

Procedural Timeline

  • January 08, 2025: Bill introduced.
  • February 03, 2025: Referred to the Committee on Budget.
  • March 20, 2025: Passed in the Assembly and sent to the Senate.
  • September 11, 2025: Read second time and ordered to third reading.
  • September 13, 2025: Ordered to inactive file at the request of Senator Grayson.

Conclusion

AB 160 represents a significant shift in the background check process for medical professionals in California, aiming to enhance public safety by ensuring that all applicants undergo rigorous criminal history checks. However, as of now, the bill has been placed in the inactive file, indicating that further action may be pending or that it may not advance in the current legislative session.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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