Need Assistance?
For general questions, contact the Office of Student Information osi@nursing.upenn.edu.
For issues with the package ordering, documentation, submissions, etc., please contact our compliance provider, American Data Bank, at 800-200-0853.

 Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I have to do this?
Our agreements with the clinical agencies require students to be fully immunized, CPR certified, and complete these background checks annually.

How much does this cost?
Cost varies slightly by program; most of the fee is built into your clinical fee.  You will need to pay for Childline clearance by money order due to State of PA regulations, and pay with cash or check for any notary or fingerprinting fees.

I don't have an SSN. What do I put on the order form?
Please contact the Office of Student Information osi@nursing.upenn.edu for assistance.

Which address do I use on my order form?
Use any address where you can receive mail in the next 2 weeks.

Which forms get turned in where?
American DataBank is to receive everything, and a copy of the Disclosure and Release form must be turned into the Office of Student Information.

How do I send the forms to ADB?
Scan completed forms and email to disclosures to studentdisclosure@americandatabank.com and Child Abuse and immunizations to immunization@americandatabank.com or fax to 303-339-7521 or 877-619-4139.  Both are secure and dedicated to Penn.

I don't have a scanner or fax machine. Can you send it for me?
You may choose to scan and email your forms from the student computer lab, or fax from the library or nearby stores.

I called ADB's 800 number (800-200-0853) with a question last night but there was no answer.
Call during ADB's business hours, 10 am to 8 pm Eastern.

I was fingerprinted for XYZ. Do I need to do it again?
Yes.  We require a background check done specifically for your clinical rotations. The FBI will not accept prints over 90 days old.

Where can I get my fingerprints done?
Fingerprinting is available at the most State Police locations. For a listing of PA State Police locations and hours, click here. 
Penn Public Safety also offers fingerprinting for a fee of $10; call for availability.

Where can I find a notary public?
There is a notary public in our office, available by appointment and during specific hours free of charge. Contact osi@nursing.upenn.edu.  You can also get documents notarized for a nominal fee at most banks.

I'm not going to be in Philadelphia anytime soon. Where can I have the drug screen done?
Contact American Data Bank (800-200-0853) during business hours for an alternate approved drug screen site.

I already have a Childline Clearance. Do I need a new one?
Your clearance is only good for one year.  The clearance you submit to ADB needs to be good through the end of your academic year. Please contact the Office of Student Information if you need clarification.

Why can't American Data Bank get my Childline clearance from PA?
State policy mandates the clearance be ordered and received by you.

I had a PPD last year. Why do I need to do it again?
The PPD is only good for one year; you will need to do this test annually as a nurse as well.

Why do I have to do a two-step PPD?
Many of our facilities where you will do clinical require the two-step PPD.

Where can I take a CPR course?
BLS for Healthcare Providers by the American Heart Associationand CPR for the Professional Rescurer by the Red Crossare acceptable courses; check these organizations' websites for course availability. SNAP also offers courses on occassion.

I'm going abroad next term. How can I make sure I meet the deadlines?
Please contact the Office of Student Information for an accelerated timeline in the beginning of the semester PRIOR to the term you are going abroad. The final deadline is not flexible, but we will work with you to ensure you meet the requirements.

What happens if I miss the compliance deadline?
Students who miss the compliance deadline will be dropped from clinical courses and placed on registration hold.  If compliance is reached prior to the start of courses, the registration hold will be lifted, and you will be charged a $300 late registration fee.  No students are permitted to enter a clinical setting if not compliant.