Can I be a medical coder with a misdemeanor?

Asked by: Sharon Reynolds Jr.  |  Last update: April 20, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (12 votes)

However, HIPAA regulations do not explicitly disqualify individuals with criminal records from working in medical billing and coding, leaving hiring decisions to the discretion of employers.

Can I work in healthcare with a misdemeanor?

Even relatively minor offenses, such as misdemeanor retail theft, will prevent would-be professionals from obtaining employment under the Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Can I get a job with a misdemeanor on my record?

State and federal laws prohibit California employers from discriminating against applicants based on race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Being convicted of a misdemeanor does not necessarily preclude you from obtaining work in California.

Can you be a PA if you have a misdemeanor?

ANSWER: Depending on the type and nature of the conviction, most likely yes if you are otherwise qualified. There are a few kinds of convictions that by law automatically bar an applicant from receiving a physician or physician assistant license. If you have one of these, your application cannot be approved.

Can you be a medical assistant with a misdemeanor?

One misdemeanor may not prevent working in the healthcare field. At the same time, more than one and/or a felony conviction usually does.

HOW TO BE A MEDICAL CODER IN 4-STEPS| Things you need to know!

18 related questions found

What jobs will not hire you with a misdemeanor?

Committing theft, fraud, or dishonesty as a misdemeanor may make it hard to get a banking position. Having a misdemeanor drug offense could negatively affect your chances of landing a nursing job or a position in the medical field.

What is an example of a misdemeanor in healthcare?

Stealing and Misuse

Stealing drugs and other property is a fairly common nursing-related crime. Stealing can be a misdemeanor offense, meaning a less serious crime than a felony, depending on the jurisdiction and the value or quantity of the item stolen.

Do misdemeanors show up on background checks in PA?

When a prospective employer requests a criminal background check in Pennsylvania, they can see the following information: Convictions for felonies and misdemeanors.

Can you be a cop with a misdemeanor record?

Criminal Record

A police officer shouldn't be a criminal or have a record of criminal behavior. In most forces, felony convictions, records of domestic violence, and serious misdemeanors can keep a person from becoming a police officer.

Can you join with a misdemeanor?

The short answer is that a misdemeanor conviction doesn't automatically bar you from joining the Armed Forces. However, it does complicate the enlistment process. The nature of the misdemeanor and what it says about your moral character are considerations a recruiter will account for when determining your eligibility.

Can a job deny you for a misdemeanor?

The Fair Chance Act, which went into effect on January 1, 2018, is a California law that generally prohibits employers with five or more employees from asking about your conviction history before making you a job offer.

Can you work at Amazon with a misdemeanor?

The Amazon background check looks for any criminal convictions, including misdemeanors or felonies, in the past 7 to 10 years. To pass the Amazon hiring process, you need to have a clean record.

Will CVS hire me with a misdemeanor?

Criminal background checks will look for any felonies or misdemeanors on your record. While CVS does not automatically disqualify applicants with a criminal history, they will consider the offense's nature and severity.

Will I pass a background check with a misdemeanor?

In California, a background check will typically reveal if somebody was convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, such as common crimes like driving under the influence (DUI) or Penal Code 243.4 PC domestic battery.

Do hospitals hire nurses with misdemeanors?

The California Board of Registered Nursing reviews criminal convictions on a case-by-case basis. However, sex offenses, violent crimes, failing to follow reporting requirements, and fraud may prevent a candidate from working as a nurse in the state.

What are the disqualifying offenses for background checks?

INTERIM DISQUALIFYING CRIMINAL OFFENSES

Extortion. Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation, including identity fraud and money laundering, where the money laundering is related to a crime listed in Parts A or B (except welfare fraud and passing bad checks). Bribery. Smuggling.

What is a class a misdemeanor?

Generally, a misdemeanor is a lesser criminal act, with serious misdemeanors being classified under Class A in every jurisdiction. Examples of Class A misdemeanors include DUI, domestic violence, vandalism, assault, shoplifting, and possession of a controlled substance.

Do traffic misdemeanors show up on criminal background checks?

A background check in California will typically show a misdemeanor conviction. For example, a history of driving under the influence (DUI) can be a sign of things to come and show that a candidate may not be a responsible person.

Can I join the military with a felony?

Generally, felons and those with several convictions can't join the Army, but waivers are available in some cases. The offenses and moral behavior-related issues that cannot be waived include: If you are under civil restraint, including parole, confinement, or probation.

How long until a misdemeanor is off your record?

In California, a misdemeanor stays on your record for the rest of your life. You have to get the conviction expunged or have the record sealed to get it off your criminal record. Until then, the conviction will appear in background checks. This can cause many problems, such as extra trouble getting a job.

Do jobs look at misdemeanors?

Can Employers Ask About Misdemeanors in California? There is no bright-line rule that prohibits employers from being able to ask a job applicant about misdemeanors, as long as the misdemeanor resulted in a conviction.

Do misdemeanors show up out of state?

The courts may not have had time to report the conviction to the state system. If an employer only checks records in another state or location, they might miss the record. Generally, it's best to assume that misdemeanor convictions appear on a report.

Can you still work in healthcare with a misdemeanor?

People who work in healthcare often have direct access to patients. This means that certain criminal convictions will be disqualifying. Some of the common types of convictions that could result in a denial for a position include convictions for drug abuse, theft, elder or patient abuse, sexual offenses, and others.

How to explain a misdemeanor on a job application example?

First Paragraph: List your conviction(s), the dates and a brief explanation of the circumstances (explain in two sentences or less and focus on the big picture). Express regret and responsibility. Second Paragraph: Focus on how you have paid your debt to society and the ways in which you have improved your life.

Will I go to jail for a first time misdemeanor?

For many first-time misdemeanor offenses in California, judges will impose probation, community service, fines, or classes instead of jail time. The maximum sentence for misdemeanors is one year in county jail. But incarceration for the full year is rare, especially for minor first offenses.