Good Moral Character requirements for nursing licensure

If you are applying for initial RN or LPN licensure or initial APRN authorization in Massachusetts, you must comply with the Good Moral Character (GMC) requirements.

Good Moral Character (GMC)

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 112, sections 74, 74A, and 76 require you to provide specific documentation for GMC evaluation if you answer yes to questions related to criminal or disciplinary history.

GMC also requires your consent, at the time of application submission, for a background check to be conducted by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) database. If there is a supported finding by DCF, you will be required to provide additional documentation related to those findings.

Effective Monday, December 4, 2023, all applicants for nursing licensure and advanced practice authorization will be required to have a Massachusetts criminal history background check completed before becoming licensed or issued an Authorization to Test for the NCLEX. CORI forms will now be part of the online application and must be completed. Checks of the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry will also be conducted prior to licensure. This check does not require any additional documentation to be completed.

See Licensure Policy 00-01 (PDF) | (DOCX) for the Board’s policy on Determination of Good Moral Character Compliance.

See Licensure Policy 17-01 (PDF) | (DOCX) Board Delegation to Board Staff to make Final Determination of GMC Compliance

Frequently asked questions and other important information is found in the Good Moral Character Information Sheet (PDF) | (DOC).

CORI Acknowledgement Form

A notarized CORI Acknowledgement Form (PDF) | (DOCX) is required for all applicants for nursing licensure and advanced practice authorization.