Nursing students are involved in the provision of direct patient care in medical facilities. Certain medical facilities require all nursing students to have a Virginia State Police criminal history and sex offender’s crimes against minors background investigation completed prior to the provision of patient care. Some facilities may also require drug testing for nursing students. Any student found guilty of a misdemeanor or felony prior to or during nursing education will be required to request an Exemption from Disqualification from each of the medical facilities to which they may be assigned during the program. If an exemption is not granted by the medical facility, the student will be unable to complete the requirements for the nursing program, and will not be permitted to progress through the program. Students will be required to submit similar documentation to the Virginia Board of Nursing when making application to take the registered nursing exam in Virginia. The Board of Nursing can deny licensure to any applicant who has filed false credentials, who has falsely represented facts on the application for licensure, and/ or who has committed a felony or misdemeanor. In addition, certain health care facilities may not hire individuals who have committed a felony or misdemeanor.