SECTION 40-63-32. Criminal history background check.

In addition to other requirements established by law, a person applying for initial licensure as a social worker pursuant to this chapter or participation in the Social Work Interstate Compact set forth in Article 3 must undergo a state criminal records check, supported by fingerprints, by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and a national criminal records check, supported by fingerprints, by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The results of these criminal records checks must be reported to the department. SLED and the FBI are authorized to retain the fingerprints for identification and certification purposes and for notification of the department regarding criminal charges. Costs of conducting a criminal history background check must be borne by the applicant. The department shall keep information received pursuant to this section confidential, except that information relied upon in denying licensure may be disclosed to the board as may be necessary to support the administrative action. Editor's Note 2025 Act No. 66, SECTION 1, provides as follows: "SECTION 1. This act may be cited as the 'Social Work Interstate Compact Act.'"