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Background Checks, Drug Test, and Health Records

Background Checks, Drug Test, and Health Records

WELCOME to new and returning students!

With the Supreme Court decision earlier this year regarding the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) vaccine mandate, Mercy College’s parent organization, Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH), notified the College that it will be complying with the mandate and requiring the COVID vaccination (either the two-dose Moderna/Pfizer series or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine). This requirement applies to all Mercy College students enrolled in ground-based and/or hybrid programs of study, as well as any Mercy College students who participate in any in-person clinical activity. Mercy College students who are enrolled in a fully online program and will not have an in-person clinical component during the course of their program are exempt at this time.

At this time, BSMH has declared that it will consider vaccine exemptions for students, based on sincerely held religious beliefs or medical contraindication supported by documentation from a medical professional.

Exemption request forms are located under the Resources tab. Completed requests should be sent to exemptions@mercycollege.edu. Questions regarding COVID-19 vaccinations should be sent here.

Clinical students will demonstrate compliance with this requirement in CastleBranch. Non-clinical students should submit proof of vaccination or exemption by email from their Mercy College email to COVIDcompliance@mercycollege.edu. Proof of vaccination includes a picture or scan of the front and back of the COVID-19 vaccination card. Proof of exemption includes the formal exemption letter issued by Mercy College of Ohio’s Compliance and Risk Management Office.

Use the navigation bars above to locate the information you need. Below is an overview of each section:

Placing CastleBranch Orders: Clinical students place an order with the vendor CastleBranch, the depository for clinical documentation. CastleBranch reviewers ensure that submitted information meets the program requirements. Verify that all personal information (name, date of birth, SSN, etc.) is entered accurately at the time of order placement or additional fees may be incurred. Students who have been absent for more than three semesters must purchase new CastleBranch accounts.

Clinical Requirements: Detailed information is provided for each of the requirements. Share the Health Screening and Clearance document with your health care provider to determine what blood tests ("titers") are needed to prove immunity and any additional screening that must be completed. The Clearance page showing compliance with the requirements must be uploaded to CastleBranch.

Program Specific Requirements (Community Health Worker, EMT/Paramedic, Medical Imaging, MSN and Physician Assistant students only): Detailed information regarding extra requirements for specific programs.

COVID Self-Report Form: Information about who needs to submit the form and when it’s required

Resources: Help with common questions

Students must comply with the Clinical Compliance Policy, found on the Compliance & Consumer Information page under Policies and Procedures.

PLACING CASTLEBRANCH ORDERS

Some programs require students to place more than one order - follow the ordering instructions carefully.

CastleBranch FAQs regarding order placement can be found here: https://mycb.castlebranch.com/help.

CastleBranch Packages and Contacts for Questions

Questions, concerns, or inquiries about the CastleBranch/MyCB To-Do List and clinical requirements should be directed to the CastleBranch Help Desk at 888.723.4263.

Questions related to the program or clinical experience can be answered by the Program Administrator.

  • Document .pdfProgram Contacts for Student Questions

    Program Contacts for Student Questions

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Locate your program and follow instructions provided below:

packages for subsequent semesters may not be available until a later date

Certificate Programs

FA-23 students order MT34fall

NOTE: MT34fall packages will not be available until after June 16, 2023.

FA-23 students order MT38fall

NOTE: MT38fall packages will not be available until after June 16, 2023.

SP-24 students order MT49spring

NOTE: SP-24 packages will not be available until after November 15, 2023.

Phlebotomy

SU-23 students order MT46summer

NOTE: MT46fall packages will not be available until after June 16, 2023.


SP-24 students order MT48spring

NOTE: SP-24 packages will not be available until after November 15, 2023.

Undergraduate Programs

SU-23 students order MT32summerABSN

FA-23 students will place TWO orders:

  1. Step One: After admission to program, order MS96fpbg (fingerprint/background check)
  2. Step Two: Once results have been cleared by the Nursing Clinical Coordinator, order the clinical requirements clearance/drug test: MS96fall

NOTE: MS96fall packages will not be available until after June 16, 2023.

Toledo FA-23 students will place TWO orders.

  1. After admission to program, order MS98fpbg (fingerprint/background check)
  2. Once results have been cleared by the Nursing Clinical Coordinator, order the clinical requirements clearance/drug test: MS98fall

NOTE: MS98fall packages will not be available until after June 16, 2023.

Youngstown SU-23 students will place TWO orders:

  1. Step One: After admission to program, order MS99fpbg (fingerprint/background check).
  2. Step Two: Once results have been cleared by the Nursing Clinical Coordinator, order the appropriate clinical requirements clearance/drug test): MS99summer

NOTE: MS99fall packages will not be available until after June 16, 2023.

Updated fingerprint/drug test will be required before specific clinical assignments. When notified by Clinical Coordinator of this requirement, order MS99fpdt.

Youngstown SU-23 students will place TWO orders:

  1. Step One: After admission to program, order MW05fpbg (fingerprint/background check).
  2. Step Two: Once results have been cleared by the Nursing Clinical Coordinator, order the appropriate clinical requirements clearance/drug test): MW05summer

NOTE: MS99fall packages will not be available until after June 16, 2023.

Updated fingerprint/drug test will be required before specific clinical assignments. When notified by Clinical Coordinator of this requirement, order MW05fpdt.

FA-23 students OR students returning after three semesters will place TWO orders:

  1. Step One: After admission/readmission to program, order MT32fpbg (fingerprint/background check)
  2. Step Two: Once results have been cleared by the Nursing Clinical Coordinator, order the appropriate clinical requirements clearance/drug test:

MT32fall (new students or returning first year students)

MT32Rfall (students returning to BSN level 300 or higher)

NOTE: MT32fall and MT32Rfall packages will not be available until after June 16, 2023.

FA-23 students order MT41fall

NOTE: MT41fall packages will not be available until after June 16, 2023.

SP-24 students completing a clinical/practicum will place TWO orders:

  1. Step One: Order MS95spring (background check, drug test and clinical requirements clearance).
  2. Step Two: Once a clinical/practicum site has been approved and finalized, order the appropriate package for fingerprinting clearance:

Clinical/practicum in OHIO: MS95fp

Clinical/practicum OUTSIDE OHIO: MS95fpnw (Carefully read FULL CastleBranch instructions on Nationwide/DAON fingerprinting/retrieving results before proceeding with out of state fingerprinting. The link to retrieve results expires within 30 days, so failure to follow the instructions may result in having to place another fingerprint order. Student is responsible for uploading report to CastleBranch before link expires.)

NOTE: SP-24 packages will not be available until after November 1, 2024.

FA-23 students will place TWO orders:

  1. Step One: Order MS93fall (background check, drug test and clinical requirements clearance).
  2. Step Two: Once a clinical/practicum site has been approved and finalized, order the appropriate package for fingerprinting clearance:

Clinical/practicum in OHIO: MS93fp

Clinical/practicum OUTSIDE OHIO: MS93fpnw (Carefully read FULL CastleBranch instructions on Nationwide/DAON fingerprinting/retrieving results before proceeding with out of state fingerprinting. The link to retrieve results expires within 30 days, so failure to follow the instructions may result in having to place another fingerprint order. Student is responsible for uploading report to CastleBranch before link expires.)

NOTE: MS93fall packages will not be available until after June 16, 2023.

FA-23 students will place TWO orders:

  1. Step One: After admission to program, order MS97fpbg (fingerprint/background check).
  2. Step Two: Once results have been cleared by the Radiologic Technology Clinical Coordinator, order MS97fall (clinical requirements clearance/drug test)

MS97fall packages will not be available until after June 16, 2023.

SP-23 students order YD48spring

NOTE: SP-24 packages will not be available until after November 1, 2024.

Graduate Programs

SU-23 students completing a clinical/practicum will place TWO orders:

  1. Step One: Order EY61summer (background check, drug test and clinical requirements clearance).
  2. Step Two: Once a clinical/practicum site has been approved and finalized, order the appropriate package for fingerprinting clearance:

Clinical/practicum in OHIO: EY61fp

Clinical/practicum OUTSIDE OHIO: EY61fpnw (Carefully read FULL CastleBranch instructions on Nationwide/DAON fingerprinting/retrieving results before proceeding with out of state fingerprinting. The link to retrieve results expires within 30 days, so failure to follow the instructions may result in having to place another fingerprint order. Student is responsible for uploading report to CastleBranch before link expires.)

NOTE: EY61fall packages will not be available until after June 16, 2023.

All incoming Physician Assistant students place an order for the appropriate package below:

YC15spring: ONLY for students currently in the state of Ohio OR students who will be able to travel to Ohio to complete fingerprinting.

YC15springout: ONLY for students located outside the state of Ohio AND will NOT be able to complete fingerprinting in Ohio.

IMPORTANT: Additional order(s) may need to be placed throughout the program resulting in additional fees. DO NOT place additional orders until directed to do so by your Program Administrator.

FA-23 students completing a practicum will place TWO orders:

  1. Step One: Order the appropriate fingerprinting package based on the location of practicum site. The practicum site will be based on two things:
    1. Where student holds an RN license, and
    2. Where the College has a Clinical Affiliation Agreement. Contact the MSN Program Director to discuss your options before ordering this package. DO NOT order until practicum site has been finalized:
      1. Clinical/practicum IN OHIO: MZ30fp
      2. Clinical/practicum OUTSIDE OHIO: MZ30fpnw (Carefully read FULL CastleBranch instructions on Nationwide/DAON fingerprinting/retrieving results before proceeding with out of state fingerprinting. The link to retrieve results expires within 30 days, so failure to follow the instructions may result in having to place another fingerprint order. Student is responsible for uploading report to CastleBranch before link expires.)
  2. Step Two: Order MZ30fall (background check, drug test and clinical requirements clearance)
    NOTE: MZ30fall packages will not be available until after June 16, 2023.

Clinical Requirements Information

Documentation must remain current to maintain eligibility for clinical or practicum experiences.

  • Document .pdfBackground Check and Fingerprinting

    Background check and fingerprinting requirements overview

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  • Document .pdfCOVID-19 Vaccination

    Required for all Mercy College Students

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  • Document .pdfCOVID-19 Booster Question

    Information about providing documentation of COVID booster vaccine OR answering NO if booster not received

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  • Document .pdfDrug Test Requirement

    Information about drug test requirement

    Download

  • Document .pdfHealth Requirements

    Health Requirements Overview

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  • Document .pdfHealth Screening and Clearance

    Share the document with your health care provider. The Clearance page must be uploaded to CastleBranch.

    Download

  • Document .pdfBLS for Healthcare Professionals

    Acceptable certifications to meet BLS for Healthcare Professionals requirement

    Download

  • Document .pdfTuberculosis (TB)

    Acceptable documentation to meet Tuberculosis (TB) requirement and renewals. TB skin testing (TST) or TB blood draw (IGRA) should be completed prior to receiving live vaccines or the COVID vaccine, as these can interfere with TB test results.

    Download

  • Document .pdfHealth Insurance

    Health insurance requirement overview

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Program Specific Requirements

  • Document .pdfCommunity Health Worker Students Only - Heartsaver Certification

    Heartsaver CPR AED Requirements for Community Health Worker Students Only

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  • Document .pdfEMT and Paramedic Students Only - National Incident Management System (NIMS) Certificate Verifications

    Certificate verification for EMT and Paramedic students

    Download

  • Document .pdfMaster of Science in Nursing Students Only - State RN Licensure

    Health records requirements for current state RN licensure, relative to the Master of Science in Nursing program

    Download

  • Document .pdfMedical Imaging Students Only - Professional Licensure

    Health records requirements and professional licensure verification for Medical Imaging students

    Download

  • Document .pdfMedical Imaging Students Only - State RAD Licensure

    Health records requirements for current state radiologic licensure for medical imaging students

    Download

  • Document .pdfPhysician Assistant Students ONLY - ACLS Certification

    Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) for Healthcare Professionals - Physician Assistant Students Only

    Download

COVID Self-Report Form Information

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, Mercy College of Ohio has implemented enhanced precautions for all students, faculty, and staff. It is imperative that the entire college community works together to keep our campus as safe as possible. Please be aware that all precautions are subject to change.

During this time any student that meets the following criteria must submit a Covid Self-Report form and notify the student health nurse, Brenda Mullan, via email brenda.mullan@mercycollege.edu.

  1. Any international travel if not fully vaccinated:
    1. Currently, international travel places individuals at a higher risk for contracting COVID-19. Please be aware that all international travel by individuals not fully vaccinated needs to be reported to the student health nurse. Mercy College of Ohio is closely watching the CDC, ODH, and the Ohio Governor’s recommendations.
    2. Per current CDC guidance, students who travel to or from China or Hong Kong must present a negative Covid test upon return to the United States.
  2. Any potential exposure to someone with a known case of COVID-19
  3. If you are diagnosed or suspected of having COVID-19
  4. If you exhibit any of the following symptoms: Fever or Chills, Cough, Shortness of Breath or Difficulty Breathing, Fatigue, Muscle or Body Aches, Headache, New Loss of Taste or Smell, Sore Throat, Congestion or Runny Nose, Nausea, Vomiting, or Diarrhea
  5. If you are unsure if you need to report, please reach out to the student health nurse for further clarification.
  6. Masking policies for vaccinated students on campus will be dictated by the level of risk assigned to the county by the CDC and communicated to students through the student newsletter. All those who are not vaccinated under the exemption policy must continue to wear masks.

Resources

  • Document .pdfAnswers to Commonly Asked Questions

    Answers to commonly asked questions regarding Background Checks, Drug Tests, and Health Records

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  • Document .pdfAutomatic Bars for Obtaining Nursing License Ohio Board of Nursing (PDF)

    A list of potentially disqualifying offenses to obtaining a nursing license in Ohio, relative to criminal background

    Download

  • Document .pdfCastleBranch Help

    A summary of multiple ways for students to receive assistance from CastleBranch regarding questions about health and background check requirements

    Download

  • Document .pdfCastleBranch TDL Summary

    Step-by-step instructions for downloading TDL Summary from CastleBranch and uploading to Canvas

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  • Document .pdfCastleBranch Turnaround Times

    CastleBranch Turnaround Times

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  • Document .pdfCOVID-19 Medical Contraindication Exemption Request

    Documentation information for COVID-19 Medical Contraindication Exemption Request

    Download

  • Document .pdfCOVID-19 Sincerely Held Religious Belief Exemption Request

    Documentation information for COVID-19 Sincerely Held Religious Belief Exemption Request

    Download

  • Document .pdfDue Date Extension or General Medical Contraindication Exemption Request

    Due Date Extension or General Medical Contraindication Exemption Request

    Download

  • Document .pdfInfluenza - Medical Contraindication Exemption Request

    Documentation information for Influenza Vaccine Medical Contraindication Exemption Request

    Download

  • Document .pdfInfluenza - Sincerely Held Religious Belief Exemption Request

    Documentation information for Influenza Vaccine Sincerely Held Religious Belief Exemption Request

    Download

  • Document .pdfResources for Obtaining Health Requirements

    Tips on Where to go for Physical, TB Test, Titers and Vaccinations

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  • Document .pdfUploading Documents to CastleBranch

    Instructions on how to upload documents to CastleBranch

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  • Document .pdfStudent Health Insurance Plan Overview

    This document provides an overview of 2022-23 student health insurance.

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  • Document .pdfStudent Health Insurance Key to Premiums

    This document provides a key to 2022-23 student health insurance premiums.

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  • Document .pdfStudent Health Insurance Cohort Program Information

    Information regarding student health insurance for cohort programs

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