Quick Answer

Yes, Baptist Health South Florida hires individuals with conviction records. However, employment is highly conditional and severely restricted by Florida's mandatory Level 2 background screening requirements under Chapter 435 and Section 408.809, Florida Statutes. As a licensed healthcare facility, Baptist Health must comply with Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) regulations that require fingerprint-based criminal history checks for all employees who have direct contact with patients or access to patient information.

A conviction for a disqualifying offense results in a finding of "Not Eligible" for employment. Eligibility can only be restored if the individual successfully obtains an Exemption from Disqualification from AHCA. This process requires demonstrating rehabilitation by clear and convincing evidence and typically cannot be initiated until at least 3 years after completion of all terms of sentencing for felony convictions.

Hourly pay ranges from approximately $15/hr for entry-level positions like food service and patient transport to $45+/hr for clinical roles. Baptist Health is one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For (25 consecutive years) and offers comprehensive benefits. The best entry points for applicants with records are non-clinical support roles such as Environmental Services, Food Service, and administrative positions that may have less intensive screening requirements, though all positions still require Level 2 background screening.

Table of Content

1. Quick Answer

2. Felon-Friendly Scorecard

3. Eligibility Checklist

4. Critical Regulatory Information

5. Company Overview

6. Hiring Policy Analysis

7. Background Check Process

8. Application Strategy

9. Tips for Applicants with Records

10. Frequently Asked Questions

11. Alternative Second Chance Employers

12. Conclusion

13. Benefits Overview

14. Disclaimer

Felon-Friendly Scorecard

Eligibility Checklist

Before applying, honestly assess whether you meet these baseline requirements:

• No Permanent Disqualification: Must NOT be designated as a sexual predator, sexual offender (if required to register), or career offender. These designations permanently bar exemption eligibility.

• Probation Completion: Baptist Health requires applicants to be out of the criminal probation system for at least one year prior to being considered for employment.

• No OIG Exclusion: Must NOT be currently excluded or ineligible for participation in federally funded healthcare programs (Medicare/Medicaid). Check exclusion status at oig.hhs.gov.

• Exemption Eligibility (if disqualified): For felony convictions, at least 3 years must have elapsed since completion of all terms of sentencing (incarceration, probation, supervision) before you can apply for an Exemption from Disqualification.

• All Court Obligations Paid: All fines, fees, restitution, and court costs must be paid in full before applying for an exemption.

• Complete Disclosure: Must disclose ALL criminal offenses regardless of how long ago they occurred, even if adjudication was withheld or records are sealed/expunged.

• Drug-Free: Must pass a pre-employment drug test (typically 10-panel urine screening) as a condition of employment.

Critical Regulatory Information

Employment at Baptist Health South Florida is governed by Florida's healthcare facility background screening laws. Understanding these regulations is essential before applying.

Level 2 Background Screening (§ 435.04)

Florida law requires fingerprint-based Level 2 background screening for all employees of AHCA-licensed healthcare facilities. This screening involves submission of fingerprints to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a comprehensive criminal history check. The screening covers your entire criminal history with no lookback period limitation.

All screening results are reviewed by AHCA's Background Screening Unit, which makes eligibility determinations based on Chapter 435 and Section 408.809, Florida Statutes. Processing typically takes 5-7 business days after FDLE receives fingerprints.

Level 2 Disqualifying Offenses

Under Florida Statutes § 435.04(2) and § 408.809, the following categories of offenses result in automatic disqualification from employment:

• Sexual crimes, including all sexual offenses regardless of victim age

• Crimes against children, elderly, or disabled persons (abuse, neglect, exploitation)

• Murder, manslaughter (including vehicular), and homicide offenses

• Kidnapping, false imprisonment, and human trafficking

• Robbery, burglary, arson, and home invasion robbery

• Aggravated assault and aggravated battery

• Drug trafficking, manufacturing, or delivery of controlled substances

• Theft, fraud, forgery, and exploitation offenses

• Patient abuse or neglect in any healthcare setting

• Any felony involving violence or weapons
  

This list is not exhaustive. Review § 435.04 for the complete statutory list of disqualifying offenses. Importantly, there is no distinction between convictions and arrests pending resolution—pending charges for disqualifying offenses result in immediate ineligibility.

Exemption from Disqualification Process (§ 435.07)

If you have a disqualifying conviction, the only path to employment is obtaining an Exemption from Disqualification from AHCA. This is a formal administrative process with strict requirements:

• Timing: For felonies, you must wait at least 3 years after completion of all sentencing terms. For misdemeanors, you may apply upon completion of sentencing.

• Burden of Proof: You must demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that you should not be disqualified from employment.

• Documentation Required: Complete Level 2 screening, all arrest reports and court dispositions (even if sealed/expunged), proof of rehabilitation, character references, employment history, and completion of treatment programs.

• Ineligible for Exemption: Sexual predators, sexual offenders (if required to register), and career offenders can NEVER obtain an exemption.

The exemption process can take several months. If denied, you have 21 days to appeal through Chapter 120 administrative hearing procedures.

Company Overview

Baptist Health South Florida is South Florida's largest not-for-profit healthcare organization and clinical care network, serving Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Monroe Counties. Founded in 1960 as a single hospital on North Kendall Drive in Miami, Baptist Health has grown into a comprehensive healthcare system with 12 hospitals, more than 200 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities, and physician practices.

Baptist Health is the second-largest employer in the State of Florida with more than 29,000 employees and 4,500 physicians. The organization is headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida, and operates internationally renowned institutes including Miami Cancer Institute (affiliated with Memorial Sloan Kettering), Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, Miami Neuroscience Institute, and Baptist Health Orthopedic Institute.

The organization's hospitals include Baptist Hospital of Miami, South Miami Hospital, Homestead Hospital, West Kendall Baptist Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Mariners Hospital, Fishermen's Hospital, Baptist Health Hospital Doral, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Bethesda Hospital East, and Bethesda Hospital West. With more than 1.8 million patient visits annually, Baptist Health serves patients from around the world.

Fast Facts

Baptist Health South Florida has been named one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For 25 consecutive years—a testament to its employee-focused culture. The organization was recognized as one of America's Most Innovative Companies and included in People Magazine's Companies That Care list. Based on U.S. News & World Report 2025-2026 Best Hospital Rankings, Baptist Health is the most awarded healthcare system in South Florida, with hospitals and institutes earning 63 high-performing honors. The faith-based organization is supported by philanthropy and committed to medical excellence, having provided $302 million in community benefit and charity care. All employees receive a pineapple pin upon orientation, symbolizing the organization's commitment to hospitality—a tradition dating back to founder Arthur Vining Davis.

Hiring Policy Analysis

Baptist Health South Florida's hiring policies for individuals with criminal records are primarily governed by Florida law rather than internal company discretion. As an AHCA-licensed healthcare facility, Baptist Health must comply with mandatory Level 2 background screening requirements and cannot hire individuals with disqualifying offenses unless they obtain an Exemption from Disqualification.

The organization has implemented an internal policy requiring applicants to be out of the criminal probation system for at least one year before being considered for employment. This policy applies in addition to the statutory exemption waiting periods. Baptist Health emphasizes complete disclosure of all criminal history, and failure to disclose any offense—even if adjudication was withheld or records are sealed—is grounds for disqualification.

Employee reviews describe Baptist Health as a positive work environment with opportunities for growth. The organization offers extensive educational benefits, including tuition reimbursement and the Baptist Scholars program for nursing education. However, the regulatory environment creates significant barriers for applicants with certain conviction histories, particularly those involving patient safety concerns.

Baptist Health follows a structured interview process and conducts background checks only after conditional offers are extended. The EEOC's individualized assessment framework applies to the extent permitted by Florida healthcare screening laws, but the statutory disqualifications are mandatory and not subject to employer discretion.

Position-Specific Barriers

Available Positions and Pay

Career Path Examples

Environmental Services → Patient Transport → Patient Access: Begin in housekeeping where patient contact is limited. Demonstrate reliability and customer service skills, then transition to patient transport. With experience, move to patient access/registration roles with higher pay and more responsibility.

Food Service → Dietary Aide → Nutrition Services: Start in cafeteria operations, advance to dietary aide delivering patient meals, then progress into nutrition services with opportunities for specialized training and certification.

Administrative Support → Department Coordinator → Management: Enter through administrative assistant positions, develop expertise in healthcare operations, advance to coordinator roles, and eventually supervisory or management positions.

Entry-Level Clinical → Certification → Clinical Advancement: For those eligible for clinical roles, start as Patient Care Tech, obtain CNA certification through Baptist's training programs, and potentially advance to LPN or RN through the Baptist Scholars program (which provides tuition support for nursing education).

Note: Career advancement in clinical roles requires maintaining eligibility under Level 2 screening requirements. Any new disqualifying arrest will result in immediate removal from patient contact pending resolution.

Background Check Process

1. Submit application through Baptist Health careers portal (careers.baptisthealth.net)
   

2. Complete initial interview(s) if selected
   

3. Receive conditional job offer pending background check and drug screen
   

4. Complete Level 2 background screening authorization and provide fingerprints at approved Livescan vendor
   

5. Fingerprints submitted to FDLE and FBI for criminal history check
   

6. AHCA Background Screening Unit reviews results (5-7 business days after FDLE receives prints)
   

7. AHCA issues eligibility determination (Eligible or Not Eligible)
   

8. If Not Eligible with disqualifying conviction: must apply for Exemption from Disqualification
   

9. Complete pre-employment drug screening (typically 10-panel urine test)
   

10. If cleared on all screening, complete onboarding and new employee orientation
    

11. The entire process from application to start date can take 2-4 weeks for candidates without screening issues. Those requiring exemptions should expect a process of several months.

Disqualifying Factors

Permanent Disqualifiers (No Exemption Possible):

• Designation as a sexual predator under § 775.21

• Designation as a sexual offender (if required to register) under § 943.0435

• Designation as a career offender under § 775.261

Automatic Disqualifiers (Exemption May Be Possible After Waiting Period):

• All Level 2 disqualifying offenses under § 435.04(2)

• Crimes against children, elderly, or disabled persons

• Sexual offenses of any kind

• Murder, manslaughter, homicide offenses

• Drug trafficking or manufacturing

• Robbery, burglary, arson

• Fraud, theft, exploitation (especially in healthcare settings)

Baptist Health Internal Disqualifiers:

• Currently on criminal probation (must be off probation for at least 1 year)

• Failure to disclose any criminal history (regardless of disposition)

• OIG exclusion from federal healthcare programs

• Failed drug screen

Your Rights as an Applicant

Under federal and Florida law, you have important protections during the hiring and screening process:

• FCRA Rights: You must receive written notice before a background check, provide written consent, and receive copies of reports if adverse action is taken.

• Dispute Rights: You may dispute inaccurate information in your background check with FDLE or FBI and request corrections.

• Pre-Adverse Action: You must receive notice before final adverse action and opportunity to explain or dispute findings.

• Exemption Right: If disqualified under Level 2 screening, you have the right to apply for an Exemption from Disqualification from AHCA.

• Appeal Rights: If exemption is denied, you have 21 days to request an administrative hearing under Chapter 120, Florida Statutes.

• Confidentiality: Level 2 screening records are confidential and may only be shared with you, not disclosed to unauthorized parties.

Note: While EEOC individualized assessment guidelines apply to employers generally, the mandatory nature of Level 2 disqualifications means employers have limited discretion for positions covered by healthcare screening laws. The exemption process through AHCA is the primary avenue for individualized consideration.

Application Strategy

1. Verify Exemption Status First: If you have a potentially disqualifying conviction, determine whether you are eligible to apply for an exemption (3 years post-sentencing for felonies). If not yet eligible, wait until you meet the timing requirement.
   

2. Check OIG Exclusion Status: Visit oig.hhs.gov/exclusions to verify you are not excluded from federal healthcare programs. OIG exclusion is an automatic bar to healthcare employment.
   

3. Obtain Your Criminal Records: Request your Florida criminal history from FDLE and federal records from FBI. Review for accuracy and identify any errors to dispute.
   

4. Confirm Probation Status: Ensure you have been off criminal probation for at least one year to meet Baptist Health's internal policy requirement.
   

5. Gather Rehabilitation Documentation: Compile evidence of rehabilitation including employment history, education, training programs, character references, community service, and any treatment program completions.
   

6. Apply for Exemption (if needed): If you have a disqualifying conviction and meet the timing requirements, apply for an Exemption from Disqualification from AHCA before applying to Baptist Health.
   

7. Target Appropriate Positions: Focus on non-clinical support roles initially. Environmental Services, Food Service, and Facilities positions may be more accessible entry points.
   

8. Disclose Completely: When completing applications, disclose ALL criminal history, including offenses with adjudication withheld, sealed records, and expunged records. The Level 2 fingerprint check will reveal everything.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. Start the exemption process early—it can take several months to complete, and you cannot be hired without an eligibility determination from AHCA
   

2. Honesty is absolutely critical: failure to disclose any offense is grounds for immediate disqualification and may be considered evidence of lack of rehabilitation
   

3. Gather comprehensive documentation of rehabilitation: court records showing completion of all sentencing terms, proof of paid fines/restitution, character references (especially from employers or community leaders), completion certificates for any treatment or education programs
   

4. Consider consulting with a healthcare law attorney if you have complex conviction history or are unsure about exemption eligibility
   

5. Baptist Health offers tuition reimbursement and the Baptist Scholars nursing program—focus on educational advancement as evidence of rehabilitation
   

6. The organization values its culture highly—research Baptist Health's mission and values and be prepared to discuss how you align with them
   

7. Apply to multiple positions across different hospitals and facilities to maximize opportunities
   

8. Some outpatient facilities or physician practices may have slightly different staffing needs—explore the full range of Baptist Health locations
   

9. Be patient: the screening and exemption process takes time, but Baptist Health's strong benefits and career development opportunities make the wait worthwhile for eligible candidates

Benefits Overview

Baptist Health South Florida offers one of the most comprehensive benefits packages in healthcare, reflecting its status as one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For:

• Medical Coverage: Enhanced PPO, Core PPO, and HDHP with HSA options (must work 24+ hours/week). Preventive Plan available to all employees including PRN.

• Dental & Vision: Four dental plan options including no-cost basic dental HMO. Vision coverage for optometrist/ophthalmologist visits, frames, and contacts.

• Retirement: 401(k) Plan with company match and 457(b) deferred compensation plan.

• Paid Time Off: Accrue up to 34 days per year. Annual elective PTO cash-out option and emergency PTO cash-out for financial hardships.

• Education: 100% tuition-free and partially-funded tuition assistance for undergraduate and graduate programs. Baptist Scholars nursing program with tuition support.

• Life/Disability Insurance: Basic life and AD&D insurance provided free. Short and long-term disability coverage provided free.

• Family Benefits: Early Learning Centers at five hospital locations. Paid Parental Benefit (2 weeks). Adoption Benefit up to $10,000 per child.

• Wellness: Virgin Pulse wellness platform. Baptist Health PineApp for unlimited free online urgent care visits.

• Additional Perks: Employee discounts, SoFi student loan refinancing, public transportation benefit (50%+ discount), group legal services, pet care savings program.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Baptist Health South Florida hire people with felonies?

   Baptist Health South Florida can hire individuals with felony convictions, but only if they are eligible under Florida's Level 2 background screening requirements. This means either: (1) the felony is not a disqualifying offense under § 435.04, or (2) the individual has successfully obtained an Exemption from Disqualification from AHCA. The exemption process requires a 3-year waiting period after completion of sentencing and demonstration of rehabilitation by clear and convincing evidence.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at Baptist Health South Florida?

   Baptist Health uses Level 2 background screening as required by Florida law for healthcare facilities. This involves fingerprint submission to FDLE and FBI for a comprehensive criminal history check. Results are reviewed by AHCA's Background Screening Unit, which makes eligibility determinations. The process takes approximately 5-7 business days after fingerprints are received, plus time for AHCA review. A 10-panel drug screen is also required.

   
   

3. How far back does the background check go at Baptist Health South Florida—what is the lookback period?

   Level 2 screening has no lookback limitation—your entire criminal history is reviewed regardless of how long ago offenses occurred. All convictions, including those with adjudication withheld, are considered. This is a significant difference from standard 7-year employment background checks used in other industries.
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at Baptist Health South Florida?

   The most difficult convictions include: sexual offenses, crimes against children/elderly/disabled, murder and manslaughter, drug trafficking, robbery/burglary/arson, fraud and theft (especially in healthcare settings), and any crimes involving violence. Sexual predators, registered sexual offenders, and career offenders can never obtain exemptions and are permanently barred from healthcare employment.
   

5. What are the best entry-level roles at Baptist Health South Florida for applicants with a record?

   The best entry points are non-clinical support roles such as Environmental Services (housekeeping), Food Service, Facilities/Maintenance, and administrative support positions. These roles have limited direct patient contact while still requiring Level 2 screening. They provide opportunities to build a track record and potentially advance within the organization.
   

6. Does Baptist Health South Florida drug test, and what kind of test do they use? Yes, Baptist Health requires pre-employment drug testing for all positions. The typical screening is a 10-panel urine test that detects marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, PCP, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, propoxyphene, and methaqualone. Random testing may occur during employment, particularly for safety-sensitive positions.
   

7. When during the hiring process will Baptist Health South Florida ask about criminal history?

   Criminal history questions may appear on the application, but the comprehensive Level 2 background screening occurs after a conditional job offer is extended. You must disclose all criminal history completely—failure to disclose any offense, even if adjudication was withheld or records are sealed, is grounds for disqualification.
   

8. Can someone advance to management at Baptist Health South Florida if they have a felony?

   Advancement is possible if you maintain eligibility under Level 2 screening requirements. Those who have successfully obtained exemptions and demonstrated continued rehabilitation can advance through the organization. However, any new arrest for a disqualifying offense will result in immediate removal from patient contact and potential termination.
   

9. How long does the hiring and background check process take?

   For candidates without screening issues, expect 2-4 weeks from application to start date. Level 2 screening takes 5-7 business days for FDLE processing plus AHCA review time. For those requiring an Exemption from Disqualification, the process can take several months as AHCA reviews rehabilitation evidence and makes a determination.
   

10. What can applicants do to improve their chances of getting hired at Baptist Health South Florida?

    Obtain your criminal records and verify accuracy before applying. If you have disqualifying convictions, apply for an Exemption from AHCA before applying to Baptist Health. Ensure you've been off probation for at least one year. Compile comprehensive rehabilitation documentation. Be completely honest on all applications. Target non-clinical support roles initially. Research Baptist Health's mission and values. Consider the Baptist Scholars program for nursing education if interested in clinical careers.

Alternative Second Chance Employers

Conclusion

Baptist Health South Florida is an exceptional employer with outstanding benefits, career development opportunities, and a culture consistently recognized as one of America's best workplaces. However, the regulatory environment governing healthcare facilities in Florida creates significant barriers for individuals with certain criminal histories.

The key to successfully pursuing employment at Baptist Health is understanding the Level 2 background screening requirements and the Exemption from Disqualification process. If you have a disqualifying conviction, obtaining an exemption from AHCA before applying is essential—this process can take months and requires substantial documentation of rehabilitation.

For those who are eligible or who successfully obtain exemptions, Baptist Health offers meaningful career opportunities with excellent compensation, comprehensive benefits, and genuine opportunities for advancement. The organization's commitment to employee development, including tuition assistance and the Baptist Scholars nursing program, can help individuals build long-term healthcare careers.

Be completely honest throughout the application process, target appropriate entry-level positions, and be patient with the screening process. Baptist Health's 25 consecutive years on Fortune's 100 Best Companies list reflects a genuine commitment to its employees—for those who can navigate the regulatory requirements, it's an employer worth pursuing.

If healthcare employment proves too challenging due to screening requirements, consider the alternative employers listed above. Many industries do not have the same regulatory mandates as healthcare, offering more accessible paths to employment while you continue working toward exemption eligibility if healthcare remains your goal.

Disclaimer

This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Florida healthcare screening laws, AHCA regulations, and employer policies may change without notice. Information presented here is based on publicly available sources and may not reflect current requirements. Always verify information directly with Baptist Health South Florida, AHCA, and review current Florida Statutes before making employment decisions. Individuals with criminal records should consult with a qualified healthcare law attorney regarding their specific circumstances, exemption eligibility, and the exemption application process.

Apply Now

Website: careers.baptisthealth.net

Headquarters: 6855 Red Road, Suite 600, Coral Gables, FL 33143

AHCA Background Screening: ahca.myflorida.com/health-quality-assurance/bureau-of-central-services/background-screening

OIG Exclusion Check: oig.hhs.gov/exclusions

FDLE Criminal History: fdle.state.fl.us