Quick Answer

Yes, INTEGRIS Health is known to hire individuals with felony convictions for certain positions. As Oklahoma's largest Oklahoma-owned not-for-profit health system with approximately 10,000-12,000 employees across multiple hospitals, clinics, and specialty care facilities, INTEGRIS Health operates as a Second Chance Employer that evaluates applicants based on their skills and qualifications before considering criminal background details. Employment decisions are conditional upon passing a comprehensive background check and meeting mandatory federal exclusion criteria.

The law prohibits companies from having a blanket policy excluding all felons. Instead, they must conduct an individualized assessment of the conviction to determine if it is job-related and consistent with business necessity.

The greatest barriers are created by felonies related to healthcare fraud or patient abuse (OIG exclusion list), drug-related offenses (controlled substance access concerns), and violent crimes (patient safety concerns). Recent offenses within the past 7 years face the highest scrutiny regardless of type.

Best entry points for applicants with records include Environmental Services (EVS), Food Services, Laundry, Facilities Maintenance, and Patient Transport positions. These non-clinical support roles offer pathway opportunities with lower regulatory barriers while still providing full healthcare benefits and career advancement potential.

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. Benefits Overview

11. Frequently Asked Questions

12. Alternative Second Chance Employers

13. Conclusion

14. Disclaimer

Felon-Friendly Scorecard

Eligibility Checklist

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

• No OIG Exclusion: You must not be listed on the federal OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Healthcare employers cannot hire anyone on this list under penalty of civil monetary fines. This is a permanent barrier for certain healthcare-related fraud and patient abuse convictions.

  
  

• No Blanket Exclusion: INTEGRIS Health is not allowed to automatically exclude you solely for being a felon. EEOC guidelines require individualized assessment of each applicant.

  
  

• Job-Related Assessment: Must be prepared for the company to evaluate whether your felony is related to the job duties using the Green Factors (nature of crime, time elapsed, nature of job).

  
  

• Physical Requirements: Many positions require standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working in fast-paced environments. Healthcare settings require stamina and physical mobility.

  
  

• Drug Screen: Must pass a mandatory pre-employment drug test. INTEGRIS Health maintains a drug-free workplace policy with random testing for employees.

  
  

• Honesty is Paramount: Must be completely honest about your criminal record when asked. Lying is an automatic disqualifier and can result in termination if discovered later.

  
  

• Work Authorization: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and able to provide required I-9 documentation.

Critical Regulatory Information

Understanding the legal landscape for criminal records in healthcare employment is essential for Second Chance applicants. INTEGRIS Health operates primarily in Oklahoma, where private employers are not bound by Ban the Box laws. However, the company must comply with federal EEOC guidelines nationwide and OIG exclusion requirements that create unique healthcare industry barriers.

EEOC Guidelines

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission advises employers not to automatically refuse to consider an applicant because of a criminal record. Employers must conduct an individualized assessment considering the Green Factors:

(1) Nature and gravity of the offense;

(2) Time elapsed since the offense and/or completion of sentence;

(3) Nature of the job sought and its relationship to the offense. Blanket policies excluding all felons are prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

FCRA Requirements

If a third party conducts the background check and a job offer is denied based on the report, INTEGRIS Health must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) adverse action procedures:

(1) Provide pre-adverse action notice with a copy of the report and summary of FCRA rights;

(2) Allow reasonable time to dispute inaccuracies;

(3) Provide final adverse action notice if decision stands after review.

State-Specific Considerations

Oklahoma has limited Fair Chance protections. Executive Order 2016-03 (Governor Mary Fallin) created Ban the Box for state agencies only, prohibiting criminal history questions on initial applications. Private employers like INTEGRIS Health are not bound by this requirement. Oklahoma does have Clean Slate legislation allowing expungement of certain nonviolent felonies after completion of sentence plus a waiting period. Expunged records cannot legally be used in hiring decisions.

Healthcare-Specific Considerations

Healthcare employment carries unique regulatory requirements. The OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE) creates permanent employment bars for certain offenses. Mandatory exclusions include: Medicare/Medicaid fraud convictions, patient abuse or neglect, felony convictions for healthcare-related fraud or theft, and felony convictions related to controlled substances. Healthcare employers who hire excluded individuals face civil monetary penalties up to $20,000 per day. This makes OIG exclusion the single most significant barrier for healthcare employment, affecting all positions regardless of patient contact.

Company Overview

INTEGRIS Health is Oklahoma's largest Oklahoma-owned not-for-profit health system and one of the state's largest private employers. Headquartered in Oklahoma City with hospitals, rehabilitation centers, physician clinics, mental health facilities, fitness centers, independent living centers, home health agencies, and urgent care locations throughout much of the state. The system serves communities across Oklahoma with seven of ten state residents living within 30 miles of an INTEGRIS Health facility.

The organization traces its roots to 1959 when Baptist Memorial Hospital opened in Oklahoma City. Through mergers in the 1990s, the system became INTEGRIS Health in 1995. The flagship INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center houses nine Centers of Excellence, including a full-service heart hospital, comprehensive transplant institute, and one of the nation's foremost burn centers. The system has achieved numerous medical firsts including Oklahoma's first heart transplant and first cochlear implant program.

Company Fast Facts

• Founded: 1959 (as Baptist Memorial Hospital); 1995 (as INTEGRIS Health)

• Headquarters: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

• Employees: Approximately 10,000-12,000 across Oklahoma

• Revenue: Approximately $2.5-3 billion annually

• Structure: Not-for-profit healthcare system

• Major Facilities: INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center, Baptist Portland Avenue, INTEGRIS Health Edmond, Canadian Valley Hospital, INTEGRIS Cancer Institute

• Mission: Partnering with people to live healthier lives

Hiring Policy Analysis

INTEGRIS Health has been identified as a Second Chance Employer, with a philosophy focused on evaluating applicants based on their skills and qualifications before weighing criminal background details. The company conducts individualized assessments as required by EEOC guidelines, considering factors like time elapsed since the offense and the person's reasons and circumstances. The hiring process typically includes online application, recruiter screening, manager review, interview, conditional offer, background check, drug test, and final offer.

Position-Specific Barriers

Barrier levels are primarily determined by OIG exclusion requirements, patient contact level, medication access, and financial responsibility. All positions require OIG/LEIE clearance.

Available Positions and Pay

Pay data compiled from Glassdoor, Indeed, PayScale, and company job postings. Actual compensation varies by location, shift, experience, and department.

Career Path Examples

INTEGRIS Health emphasizes internal advancement and offers tuition reimbursement programs. Many leadership positions are filled through internal promotion.

Environmental Services Track: Housekeeper ($14-17/hr) → EVS Lead ($17-20/hr) → EVS Supervisor ($22-26/hr) → EVS Manager ($50K-65K/yr). Advancement requires demonstrated reliability, leadership skills, and typically 2-3 years at each level.

Food Services Track: Food Services Rep ($14-17/hr) → Cook ($16-19/hr) → Lead Cook ($18-22/hr) → Food Services Supervisor ($45K-55K/yr). Advancement through culinary training and supervisory experience.

Patient Care Track: Patient Transport ($14-17/hr) → CNA ($14-18/hr) → Patient Care Tech ($16-20/hr) → LPN/RN (with educational advancement and tuition reimbursement support). INTEGRIS offers loan repayment programs for RNs up to $5,000/year.

Background Check Process

Understanding INTEGRIS Health's background check process helps you prepare mentally and practically. The company conducts background checks after extending a conditional offer, allowing you to interview on your merits before criminal history is evaluated.

• What They Check: Criminal history (felonies and misdemeanors) at county, state, and federal levels; OIG/LEIE exclusion database; SAM exclusion list; identity verification through SSN trace; employment history verification; education verification for positions requiring credentials; drug screening (mandatory for all positions); professional license verification where applicable.

  
  

• Lookback Period: Oklahoma has no statutory limit on criminal lookback for private employers. Many consumer reporting agencies voluntarily limit to 7 years, but felony convictions may be reported indefinitely. OIG exclusions have no time limit. Employment verification typically extends 7-10 years.

  
  

• Timeline: The hiring process averages 2-4 weeks from application to hire. Background checks typically take 5-10 business days to complete after conditional offer. Some positions may take longer depending on complexity and verification requirements.

  
  

• Process Flow: Application submitted → Recruiter screening → Manager review → Interview(s) → Conditional offer extended → Background check and drug test authorization signed → Background check and OIG verification conducted → Results reviewed using individualized assessment → Final hiring decision → Pre-adverse or adverse action notice if applicable → Start date confirmed → Orientation.

Disqualifying Factors

Automatic Disqualification: Listing on OIG/LEIE exclusion database (mandatory exclusion for Medicare/Medicaid fraud, patient abuse, healthcare theft, controlled substance felonies). These are permanent bars for most healthcare positions.

High Risk for Disqualification: Violent crimes (assault, battery, domestic violence); sexual offenses; drug offenses (especially manufacturing, distribution, or recent possession); theft or fraud offenses (particularly relevant for positions with financial access); crimes against vulnerable populations.

Lower Risk (Case-by-Case): Non-violent property crimes older than 7 years; traffic offenses (unless driving required); first-time offenses with demonstrated rehabilitation; offenses unrelated to job duties. All subject to individualized assessment considering rehabilitation evidence.

Your Rights as Applicant

• FCRA Protections: You must receive written notice and provide consent before a background check. If denied based on the report, you're entitled to a copy and the right to dispute inaccuracies.

  
  

• Pre-Adverse Action Notice: Before a final decision, you must receive notice with a copy of the report and a summary of your rights. You have reasonable time to respond and provide additional information.

  
  

• EEOC Protection: You have the right to an individualized assessment. Blanket exclusions based solely on criminal record are prohibited.

  
  

• Expungement Rights: Oklahoma allows expungement of certain nonviolent felonies. Expunged records cannot legally be considered in hiring decisions. Check eligibility and consider pursuing expungement before applying.

Application Strategy

1. Target Entry-Level Support Positions: Focus on EVS, Food Services, Laundry, and Facilities positions which have the lowest barriers and highest volume hiring needs. These roles offer the best opportunity to establish yourself. Avoid clinical and finance positions initially if your record is recent.

   
   

2. Apply Through Official Channels: Submit your application through integrishealth.org/careers. INTEGRIS posts positions on Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. Check the careers page regularly as support positions are posted frequently.

   
   

3. Prepare for the Interview: Research the company's mission and values. Emphasize reliability, attention to detail, teamwork, and customer service orientation. Healthcare employers value compassion and commitment to patient well-being.

   
   

4. Be Completely Honest: Never lie about your criminal history. Dishonesty is an automatic disqualifier and can result in termination even after hire if discovered later. Wait until asked or until the appropriate stage to discuss your record.

   
   

5. Prepare Your Narrative: Have a brief, honest explanation ready: acknowledge the offense without making excuses, describe what you learned, and explain how you've changed. Focus on rehabilitation, personal growth, and stability. Keep it concise (30-60 seconds).

   
   

6. Document Rehabilitation: Gather evidence of positive changes: completion of treatment programs, educational certificates, vocational training, stable housing, employment history, community involvement, and character references.

   
   

7. Check Expungement Eligibility: Oklahoma allows expungement of many nonviolent felonies after completion of sentence plus waiting period. Contact Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma for assistance. Expunged records cannot be reported.

   
   

8. Follow Up Professionally: After applying, monitor your application status through your online profile. If you receive a pre-adverse action notice, respond promptly with rehabilitation documentation.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. Healthcare Has Constant Hiring Needs: INTEGRIS Health operates multiple hospitals and facilities with ongoing staffing needs, particularly in support services. Don't be discouraged by individual rejections—keep applying to different locations and positions.

   
   

2. Start Entry-Level, Advance Within: Many successful healthcare careers begin in EVS or Food Services. Prove reliability through consistent attendance, positive attitude, and quality work. INTEGRIS offers tuition reimbursement up to $2,500 annually for further education.

   
   

3. Run Your Own Background Check First: Know what will appear before the employer sees it. Order your own criminal background check from a consumer reporting agency. Dispute any errors or outdated information in advance.

   
   

4. Check OIG Exclusion Status: Before applying to any healthcare position, verify you are not on the OIG exclusion list at exclusions.oig.hhs.gov. If you are listed, explore reinstatement procedures or non-healthcare alternatives.

   
   

5. Pass the Drug Test: INTEGRIS Health requires pre-employment drug screening and maintains random testing. Address any substance issues completely before applying. Oklahoma does not provide employment protections for marijuana use.

   
   

6. Highlight Stability and Reliability: Emphasize stable housing, reliable transportation, and any consistent work history. Healthcare employers especially value dependability and punctuality.

   
   

7. Consider Shift Flexibility: Willingness to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays increases your chances significantly. Healthcare operates 24/7, and flexible scheduling demonstrates commitment.

   
   

8. Utilize Federal Bonding Program: The Federal Bonding Program provides free fidelity bonds for at-risk job seekers, reducing employer concerns about theft and dishonesty. Contact Oklahoma Employment Security Commission for information.

Benefits Overview

INTEGRIS Health offers a comprehensive benefits package for employees working 30+ hours per week. Benefits begin the first of the month after hire date.

• Compensation: Competitive hourly rates with shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends. Annual performance reviews with potential for merit increases.

  
  

• Retirement: INTEGRIS Health matches 50% of your contribution up to your first 8% per pay period (effective 4% match). Additional 2% annual company contribution for qualifying employees.

  
  

• Paid Time Off: Front-loaded PTO based on tenure. First year employees receive approximately 21 days. Increases to 25 days after 2 years and 30 days after 5 years. PTO used for holidays, vacation, and sick time combined.

  
  

• Health Benefits: Multiple medical plan options with INTEGRIS network providers. All preventive care covered at 100% in-network. $3,000 out-of-pocket maximum when using INTEGRIS network providers. Dental and vision coverage available.

  
  

• Education: Tuition reimbursement up to $2,500 per year for full-time employees ($1,250 for part-time). RN loan repayment program up to $5,000 annually. Scholarships for family members. Certification assistance programs.

  
  

• Additional Benefits: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), life insurance, short-term disability (4 weeks at 100%, then 20 weeks at 60%), child care services, employee discounts, wellness programs.

  
  

• Employee Perspectives - Pros: Front-loaded PTO, affordable health insurance through INTEGRIS network, good retirement match, tuition reimbursement, employee referral bonuses.

  
  

• Employee Perspectives - Cons: PTO must cover holidays (not separate), limited network for health insurance, high workload in some departments, advancement can be slow.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does INTEGRIS Health hire people with felonies?

   Yes, INTEGRIS Health has been identified as a Second Chance Employer and considers applicants with criminal records through individualized assessment. The most accessible opportunities are in Environmental Services, Food Services, Laundry, and Facilities positions. However, anyone on the federal OIG exclusion list cannot be hired for any position. Drug offenses, violent crimes, and recent offenses face higher scrutiny. Success depends on offense type, time elapsed, demonstrated rehabilitation, and position applied for.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at INTEGRIS Health?

   Background checks are conducted after a conditional job offer is extended. The process includes criminal history search (county, state, federal), OIG/LEIE exclusion verification, employment verification, education verification where required, drug screening, and professional license verification if applicable. You must provide written consent before the check begins. If issues arise, you'll receive a pre-adverse action notice with opportunity to respond.

   
   

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

   Oklahoma has no statutory limit on criminal lookback periods for private employers. Many consumer reporting agencies voluntarily limit reports to 7 years for non-conviction information. However, felony convictions may be reported indefinitely. OIG exclusions have no time limit. Employment verification typically covers the past 7-10 years. Expunged or sealed records cannot legally be reported.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at INTEGRIS Health?

   Most challenging: OIG-listed offenses (healthcare fraud, patient abuse, controlled substance felonies) create permanent bars. High difficulty: violent crimes, sexual offenses, drug trafficking, theft/fraud offenses, crimes against vulnerable populations. Moderate difficulty: property crimes, drug possession (especially recent). Lower difficulty: older non-violent offenses, traffic violations, offenses clearly unrelated to healthcare work. All are subject to individualized assessment.

   
   

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

   Environmental Services/Housekeeping ($14-17/hr) offers the best opportunities—minimal patient contact, skills-based evaluation, high turnover creates frequent openings. Food Services Representative ($14-17/hr) is similarly accessible. Laundry/Linen Services ($14-16/hr) and Facilities/Maintenance ($16-22/hr) also have lower barriers. These positions provide healthcare benefits while allowing you to build a track record.

   
   

6. Does INTEGRIS Health drug test, and what kind of test do they use?

   Yes, INTEGRIS Health requires pre-employment drug testing for all positions and maintains random testing during employment. Testing is typically a urine-based panel screening for common substances. Oklahoma does not provide employment protections for marijuana use, even with a medical card. Healthcare environments have strict substance policies due to patient safety concerns.

   
   

7. When during the hiring process will INTEGRIS Health ask about criminal history?

   As a private employer in Oklahoma, INTEGRIS Health is not bound by Ban the Box laws and could technically ask about criminal history at any point. However, following Second Chance Employer principles, they typically evaluate applicants on skills and qualifications first. Formal background checks occur after a conditional offer is extended, giving you the opportunity to interview on your merits before history is considered.

   
   

8. Can someone advance to management at INTEGRIS Health if they have a felony?

   Yes, advancement is possible through demonstrated performance and time. INTEGRIS emphasizes internal promotion and offers tuition reimbursement. Many supervisory positions in support services are filled internally. Time since offense is critical—the longer your clean employment record, the more advancement opportunities open. Management positions may face additional scrutiny, and positions with financial oversight or direct patient care authority have higher barriers.

   
   

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

   The typical hiring timeline at INTEGRIS Health is 2-4 weeks from application to start date. Application review takes approximately 1-2 weeks. Interview scheduling depends on position and department. Background checks typically take 5-10 business days after conditional offer. Drug screening results usually return within 2-3 days. Some positions may take longer due to complexity or additional verifications required.

   
   

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

    Key strategies:

    (1) Target EVS, Food Services, or Facilities positions first;

    (2) Verify you're not on OIG exclusion list before applying;

    (3) Run your own background check to know what appears;

    (4) Pursue expungement if eligible under Oklahoma law;

    (5) Document rehabilitation through certificates, references, and stable history;

    (6) Prepare a concise, honest narrative about your offense and growth;

    (7) Demonstrate flexibility with shifts and scheduling;

    (8) Apply to multiple locations;

    (9) Follow up professionally;

    (10) Consider Federal Bonding Program to reduce employer concerns.

Alternative Second Chance Employers

If INTEGRIS Health doesn't work out, consider these employers known for fair chance hiring practices in healthcare and related industries in Oklahoma:

Conclusion

INTEGRIS Health offers genuine opportunities for individuals with criminal records, particularly in support services like Environmental Services, Food Services, and Facilities. As Oklahoma's largest Oklahoma-owned health system with approximately 10,000-12,000 employees, the organization provides a realistic pathway to stable employment with comprehensive healthcare benefits. The company's Second Chance Employer approach emphasizes evaluating applicants on skills and qualifications before considering criminal history.

The work in healthcare support services is physically demanding and often requires shift flexibility. However, the compensation is competitive for the region with starting pay of $14-22/hr depending on position. The benefits package includes front-loaded PTO, retirement matching, health insurance through the INTEGRIS network, and tuition reimbursement up to $2,500 annually. Career advancement is possible—many supervisory positions are filled through internal promotion.

Key Success Factors: Target EVS, Food Services, or Facilities positions initially; verify OIG exclusion status before applying; document rehabilitation thoroughly; be completely honest about your record; demonstrate reliability and flexibility; pursue expungement if eligible.

Biggest Barriers: OIG exclusion list (permanent bar for healthcare fraud/patient abuse); recent drug offenses; violent crimes; recent offenses within past 5-7 years. Clinical positions face significantly higher barriers than support roles.

Healthcare employment provides meaningful work with genuine impact on patient well-being and community health. INTEGRIS Health's mission of 'Partnering with people to live healthier lives' extends to giving second chances to those committed to rebuilding their careers. With preparation, honesty, and persistence, individuals with criminal records can build successful careers in Oklahoma's largest healthcare system.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Hiring policies vary by position, location, and individual circumstances. While we strive for accuracy using publicly available sources including company websites, job postings, employee reviews (Glassdoor, Indeed), salary databases (PayScale, ZipRecruiter), and regulatory information (OIG, EEOC), employment information and company policies may change without notice. Always verify current practices directly with INTEGRIS Health.

Inclusion in this guide does not guarantee employment. Background check laws, OIG exclusion requirements, expungement procedures, and fair chance hiring requirements vary by jurisdiction and should be confirmed with legal professionals. The OIG exclusion list creates permanent barriers for certain offenses that cannot be overcome regardless of rehabilitation. Consult with an employment attorney or legal aid organization for specific legal advice about your situation.

Apply Now: https://integrishealth.org/careers