Nursing, Midwifery and Health students

Prohibited Person Declaration and Criminal Record Check

The New South Wales Department of Health has implemented policies and procedures whereby all health care workers who may be engaged in positions within Departmental organisations must make a declaration under the Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998 and undergo a Criminal Record Check. All Nursing students must complete a Prohibited Employment Declaration, undergo a Criminal Record Check and receive a NSW Health Department Clearance prior to under-taking a Nursing Practice placement. The check is conducted by the NSW Police Service and coordinated by the NSW Health Department. A consent form authorising this check must be completed, signed and lodged with the Faculty. Any refusal by a student to under-go this check may result in the student being unable to complete the course requirements.

Clearances can be delayed for a number of reasons, particularly the incorrect completion of forms. Students should, therefore, ensure that forms are correctly completed. Students who have not received a clearance letter from the NSW Health Department within four weeks of lodgment of forms or at least one week prior to the commencement of Nursing Practice should advise the Faculty Student Office. Students must present the clearance letter whenever attending a clinical placement.