Quick Answer

Yes, Monument Health hires individuals with felony convictions. As a not-for-profit healthcare system headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota with over 4,500 physicians and caregivers, Monument Health provides individualized assessment of criminal history per EEOC requirements. A criminal record is not an automatic disqualifier but is reviewed against job-relatedness standards.

CRITICAL BARRIERS: OIG Exclusion List (LEIE) creates permanent bar for healthcare fraud, patient abuse, and certain felony controlled substance convictions check https://exclusions.oig.hhs.gov BEFORE applying; Mandatory drug screening (blood draw and drug test) required; Fingerprint-based background checks required for positions involving vulnerable populations (patients, elderly, children); Licensed positions require state board approval. Founded in 1948, Monument Health operates 5 hospitals, 8 specialty centers, and 40+ clinics across western South Dakota and eastern Wyoming.

Best opportunities in non-clinical support roles: Environmental Services ($14-$18/hr), Dietary/Food Services ($14-$17/hr), Laundry, Maintenance. Weekly on-the-spot hiring events held Tuesdays 2-4pm at 1400 Turbine Drive, Rapid City.

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

13. Conclusion

14. Disclaimer

Felon-Friendly Scorecard

Eligibility Checklist

Before applying to Monument Health, critically assess these requirements:

• Check OIG Exclusion Status FIRST: Before applying, verify you are NOT on the OIG Exclusion List (LEIE) at https://exclusions.oig.hhs.gov. This is mandatory first step. OIG exclusion is automatic, permanent bar from ANY position at ANY healthcare facility billing Medicare/Medicaid. If excluded, do not apply until removal from list.

  
  

• Understand OIG Exclusion Triggers: Mandatory exclusion results from: Healthcare fraud conviction; Patient abuse or neglect conviction; Felony controlled substance conviction (manufacture, distribution); Felony healthcare-related fraud. Discretionary exclusion may result from misdemeanor controlled substance conviction, license revocation, and other offenses. Check your status.

  
  

• Pass Mandatory Drug and Health Screening: Monument Health requires blood draw and drug test as mandatory pre-employment health screening. Healthcare environment requires drug-free workplace. Failed test is disqualification. Must be completely clean before applying.

  
  

• Assess Position Type and License Requirements: Licensed positions (RN, LPN, CNA, Pharmacy Tech) require South Dakota state board approval of criminal history—separate from Monument Health hiring decision. Non-licensed support positions (EVS, Dietary, Laundry, Maintenance) have lower barriers.

  
  

• Understand Vulnerable Population Screening: South Dakota law requires fingerprint-based background checks for individuals working with vulnerable populations including patients, elderly, children. Direct patient care positions face higher scrutiny.

  
  

• Prepare Rehabilitation Documentation: If felony is older and unrelated to healthcare, prepare documentation showing rehabilitation: stable employment, treatment completion, character references, community involvement, written explanation of changed circumstances.

  
  

Critical Regulatory Information

Monument Health operates under federal healthcare exclusion requirements and South Dakota vulnerable population protections. Understanding these frameworks is essential for Second Chance applicants.

OIG Exclusion List (LEIE) - Mandatory Bar

• Under federal law (Social Security Act Section 1128), Monument Health MUST exclude anyone on the Office of Inspector General Exclusion List (LEIE) from employment. This applies to ALL positions—clinical and non-clinical—at any healthcare facility billing Medicare or Medicaid.

• Mandatory exclusions (minimum 5 years, often 10+ years, some permanent) result from: Healthcare fraud conviction; Patient abuse, neglect, or exploitation conviction; Felony controlled substance conviction related to manufacture or distribution; Felony healthcare-related fraud. Discretionary exclusions may result from: Misdemeanor controlled substance conviction; License revocation or suspension; Fraud in non-healthcare programs. Monument Health screens all employees against OIG list monthly—discovered exclusion after hire results in immediate termination. CHECK YOUR STATUS at https://exclusions.oig.hhs.gov BEFORE applying.

  
  

Mandatory Drug and Health Screening

• Monument Health requires blood draw and drug test as mandatory component of pre-employment health screening.

• Healthcare environment with patient safety requirements and medication access demands drug-free workplace.

• Testing typically includes standard drug panel for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, PCP, and potentially alcohol.

• Failed drug test is automatic disqualification. Healthcare workers may have access to controlled substances—sobriety non-negotiable.

• Must be completely clean before applying.

  
  

Vulnerable Population Screening (South Dakota)

• South Dakota law requires strict, fingerprint-based background checks for individuals working with vulnerable populations.

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• This includes hospital patients, elderly individuals, and children.

  
  

• Fingerprint cards submitted for FBI and state criminal history check.

  
  

• Positions with direct patient contact face heightened scrutiny.

  
  

• Convictions involving violence, abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable persons create significant barriers for patient care positions.

  
  

State Board Licensing Requirements

• Licensed healthcare positions require South Dakota Board of Nursing or applicable professional board approval.

  
  

• Each board has independent authority to approve or deny licenses based on criminal history—separate from Monument Health hiring decision.

  
  

• Licensed positions include: Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Pharmacy Technician, Medical Assistant (certified), Respiratory Therapist, Radiology Technician. Board review considers offense nature, time elapsed, rehabilitation evidence. Some boards have mandatory bars for certain convictions.

  
  

EEOC Individualized Assessment

• For non-excluded applicants, Monument Health must conduct individualized assessment per EEOC requirements using Green Factors:

  (1) Nature and gravity of offense;

  (2) Time elapsed since conviction or sentence completion;

  (3) Nature of job sought and relationship between offense and position duties. Criminal record is not automatic disqualifier but reviewed against job-relatedness standards. Healthcare positions involving patient safety, medication access, and vulnerable populations receive appropriate scrutiny.

Company Overview

Monument Health is a not-for-profit, community-based healthcare system headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota with a mission to "make a difference, every day" in the lives of patients and communities served. Founded in 1948 as Rapid City Regional Hospital, Monument Health has grown over seven decades to become the leading healthcare provider for western South Dakota and eastern Wyoming, serving 20 communities across this expansive region where access to quality healthcare is critical. The system employs over 4,500 physicians and caregivers dedicated to delivering excellence in patient-centered care, making it one of the largest employers in the Black Hills region and a cornerstone institution for community health and economic vitality.

Monument Health operates an extensive network of facilities including 5 hospitals, 8 specialty and surgical centers, and more than 40 medical clinics and healthcare service centers distributed across the service region. Care is provided in 33 medical specialties including comprehensive cancer care, heart and vascular services, orthopedics, women's health services, rehabilitation medicine, and critical care. The Orthopedic and Specialty Hospital and Rehabilitation and Critical Care Hospital in Rapid City offer specialized services with dedicated facilities. The organization is committed to advancing the future of medicine through medical training partnerships with educational institutions, a medical residency program developing the next generation of physicians, and over 130 active clinical research studies.

Monument Health's urgent care centers Urgent Care North and Urgent Care West, both in Rapid City were the first in South Dakota to earn Accredited Urgent Care Destination status, reflecting commitment to quality standards.

Headquartered in Rapid City (population approximately 60,000), Monument Health serves as the regional medical hub for the Black Hills area and surrounding communities. The healthcare system offers competitive wages and benefits, supportive work culture, and professional development opportunities. Weekly on-the-spot hiring events are held every Tuesday from 2-4pm at 1400 Turbine Drive, Rapid City reflecting high-volume hiring needs for support positions.

Company Fast Facts

• Headquarters: Rapid City, South Dakota;

• Employees: 4,500+ physicians and caregivers;

• Founded: 1948 (as Rapid City Regional Hospital);

• Status: Not-for-profit community healthcare;

• Hospitals: 5; Specialty Centers: 8; Clinics: 40+;

• Communities Served: 20 across western SD and eastern WY;

• Medical Specialties: 33; Research Studies: 130+ active;

• Hiring Events: Tuesdays 2-4pm at 1400 Turbine Drive.

Hiring Policy Analysis

Monument Health hiring shaped by federal healthcare exclusion requirements, state vulnerable population protections, and EEOC individualized assessment. OIG exclusion is absolute bar—no exceptions. For non-excluded applicants, criminal history reviewed against job-relatedness standards rather than blanket exclusion. Non-licensed support positions offer most accessible pathways.

Healthcare employer with significant staffing needs creates ongoing opportunities across support, clinical, and administrative positions. High-volume hiring for Environmental Services, Dietary, and support roles reflected in weekly on-the-spot hiring events. Organization prioritizes patient-centered care and collaborative team environment. Professional development, training, and advancement opportunities available. Supportive work culture with competitive wages and benefits including medical, vision, dental coverage and retirement plans.

Position-Specific Barriers

Available Positions and Pay

Pay data from 2024-2025 ZipRecruiter, Indeed, and Monument Health job postings. Rapid City, South Dakota market rates.

Career Path Examples

Support Services Track: Environmental Services/Dietary ($14-$18/hr starting, hospital housekeeping, sanitation, patient room turnover, or food service with meal preparation and delivery—no clinical license required for either role) → Senior EVS Technician/Lead ($16-$20/hr, training new team members, quality oversight, specialized cleaning procedures, equipment operation, 1-2 years experience) → EVS Supervisor ($40K-$55K annually, team scheduling, supply management, staff training, quality assurance, infection control compliance) → EVS Manager ($50K-$70K, department operations, budget management, policy implementation, staff development) → Director of Support Services (executive leadership over multiple departments).

Timeline: 5-8 years for supervisor level, 10+ years for director level. Career advancement based on performance and leadership ability without requiring clinical license—viable long-term healthcare career path demonstrating that support services professionals can advance to management while contributing meaningfully to patient care environment.

Clinical Support Track (if license obtainable): Environmental Services or Dietary (building positive healthcare employment record, demonstrating reliability and patient care environment familiarity) → Patient Transporter ($15-$19/hr, moving patients throughout facility, wheelchair and gurney operation, direct patient interaction experience, customer service skills) → Pursue CNA certification with South Dakota Board of Nursing approval → Certified Nursing Assistant ($15-$20/hr, direct patient care, vital signs, activities of daily living) → Pursue LPN education → Licensed Practical Nurse ($22-$30/hr, medication administration, patient assessment, nursing care under RN supervision) → RN Bridge Program → Registered Nurse ($28-$45/hr, full scope of nursing practice, patient care coordination).

Timeline: 6-12 years for complete progression. CRITICAL: Each licensed step (CNA, LPN, RN) requires separate South Dakota Board of Nursing approval of criminal history—board has independent authority to approve or deny licensure based on its own review and standards. Monument Health hiring is contingent on valid state license for clinical positions.

Background Check Process

Monument Health Screening Process: Application submission; Interview; Conditional offer; Pre-employment health screening (blood draw and drug test mandatory); OIG Exclusion List verification (must not appear on LEIE); Criminal background check (standard 7-year lookback for most positions); Fingerprint-based FBI/state check for positions involving vulnerable populations; Employment and education verification; State board license verification for clinical positions. EEOC individualized assessment if criminal history identified nature of offense, time elapsed, job relevance considered. Monthly OIG screening continues post-hire.

Timeline: 1-3 weeks for support positions; longer for licensed roles requiring board approval.

Disqualifying Factors

• Automatic Disqualification: OIG Exclusion List (LEIE)—permanent bar until removed; Healthcare fraud convictions; Patient abuse, neglect, exploitation; Felony controlled substance (manufacture/distribution); Failed drug test; Dishonesty during application.

  
  

• High Risk (Individual Review): Recent violent crimes—patient safety; Theft from patients, elderly, healthcare settings; Drug possession with healthcare implications; Sexual offenses; Multiple felonies; License revocation.

  
  

• Evaluated Favorably: Old convictions (10+ years) with rehabilitation; Non-violent offenses unrelated to healthcare; Drug possession (not trafficking) with demonstrated sobriety and treatment; Single incidents with strong rehabilitation evidence.

Your Rights as Applicant

• EEOC: Individualized assessment required for non-OIG-excluded applicants; Cannot deny solely on conviction without job-relatedness analysis.

  
  

• FCRA: Written consent before background check; Pre-adverse action notice with report copy; Minimum 5 business days to dispute or provide mitigation; Final adverse action notice.

  
  

• OIG Exclusion: Right to request reinstatement after minimum exclusion period; Right to appeal exclusion; Right to check status at exclusions.oig.hhs.gov.

  
  

• State Board: Right to apply for license with criminal history; Right to present rehabilitation evidence to board; Right to appeal denial.

Application Strategy

1. Check OIG Status First: Before any other step, verify you are NOT on OIG Exclusion List at https://exclusions.oig.hhs.gov. This is non-negotiable starting point. If excluded, do not apply until removal.

   
   

2. Be Completely Drug-Free: Blood draw and drug test mandatory for pre-employment health screening. Healthcare requires drug-free workplace. Failed test is automatic disqualification.

   
   

3. Focus on Integrity: In interview, emphasize ethical commitment, adherence to policy, patient safety awareness. Healthcare culture prioritizes integrity and trust.

   
   

4. Target Non-Licensed Positions: Environmental Services, Dietary, Laundry offer accessible entry without state board license requirements. Build positive healthcare employment record.

   
   

5. Document Rehabilitation: If felony is older and unrelated to healthcare, prepare comprehensive documentation: stable employment, treatment completion, character references, community involvement.

   
   

6. Attend Hiring Events: Weekly on-the-spot hiring events every Tuesday 2-4pm at 1400 Turbine Drive, Rapid City. Direct opportunity to meet recruiters and potentially receive same-day offers for support positions.

   
   

7. Consider Path to License: If interested in clinical career, research South Dakota Board of Nursing requirements for CNA/LPN/RN with criminal history. Start in support role while pursuing board approval.

   
   

8. Be Completely Honest: Healthcare industry requires trust. Dishonesty on application is automatic disqualification. Self-disclosure requirements continue after hire.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. OIG Check is Non-Negotiable First Step: If on exclusion list, no healthcare employer can hire you for any position. Check before investing time in applications.

   
   

2. Support Positions Most Accessible: EVS, Dietary, Laundry require no clinical license. High turnover creates ongoing opportunities. Entry point to healthcare career.

   
   

3. Tuesday Hiring Events: On-the-spot hiring 2-4pm at 1400 Turbine Drive. Support positions may receive same-day offers. Direct access to recruiters.

   
   

4. Regional Healthcare Hub: Monument Health is primary healthcare employer in Black Hills region. Large system with 5 hospitals creates diverse opportunities.

   
   

5. Licensed Positions Require Board Approval: CNA, LPN, RN positions require South Dakota board approval separate from employer. Research board requirements before pursuing clinical path.

Benefits Overview

Compensation: Competitive healthcare wages for Rapid City market; Sign-on bonuses for certain positions; Shift differentials for nights/weekends; Experience-based pay.

Health Insurance: Medical, vision, and dental coverage; Comprehensive healthcare benefits from healthcare employer; Coverage options for qualifying positions.

Retirement: Retirement plans for eligible employees; Long-term financial security options.

Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, paid holidays; Work-life balance supported.

Career Development: Professional growth opportunities; Training and advancement; Medical residency partnerships; Research study participation.

Work Environment: Supportive work culture; Patient-focused team environment; Collaborative multidisciplinary care; Resources for ongoing learning.

Employee Perspectives

Pros: Supportive work culture; Competitive wages and benefits; Professional development; Regional healthcare leader; Community-focused not-for-profit; 5 hospitals with diverse opportunities; Sign-on bonuses available; Structured schedules; Training provided.

Cons: Mandatory drug testing; OIG exclusion requirements; Fingerprint background for patient roles; State board approval for licensed positions; Healthcare demands; Rural location (Black Hills region).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Monument Health hire people with felonies?

   Yes, Monument Health hires individuals with felony convictions for positions where they meet requirements. Critical exception: Anyone on OIG Exclusion List (LEIE) is permanently barred from ALL positions at ANY healthcare facility billing Medicare/Medicaid—check https://exclusions.oig.hhs.gov first. For non-excluded applicants, criminal history reviewed using EEOC individualized assessment considering offense nature, time elapsed, and job relevance. Non-licensed support positions (EVS, Dietary, Laundry) most accessible. Licensed clinical positions require separate South Dakota board approval.

   
   

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

   Process includes: Pre-employment health screening with mandatory blood draw and drug test; OIG Exclusion List verification; Criminal background check (typically 7-year lookback); Fingerprint-based FBI/state check for positions involving vulnerable populations (patients, elderly, children); Employment and education verification; State license verification for clinical roles. EEOC individualized assessment if criminal history identified. Monthly OIG screening continues post-hire—discovered exclusion results in immediate termination.

   
   

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

   Standard criminal history: 7 years typical under FCRA guidelines for consumer reporting. OIG Exclusion: NO time limit—exclusions remain until officially removed, often 5-10+ years or permanent. State Board Licensing: Varies by board—may review complete criminal history for licensed positions. Older convictions evaluated more favorably during individualized assessment if rehabilitation demonstrated.

   
   

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

   Automatic bars: OIG exclusion (healthcare fraud, patient abuse, felony controlled substance); Dishonesty on application; Failed drug test. High scrutiny: Violence (patient safety); Theft from patients, elderly, healthcare settings; Drug offenses (healthcare medication access); Sexual offenses; Abuse/neglect of vulnerable persons. Evaluated individually: Old convictions with rehabilitation; Non-violent offenses unrelated to healthcare; Drug possession with treatment/sobriety.

   
   

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

   Environmental Services (EVS) at $14-$18/hr is most accessible—hospital housekeeping, sanitation, no clinical license required, limited direct patient contact. Dietary/Food Services ($14-$17/hr) prepares and delivers patient meals, cafeteria work. Laundry Services ($13-$17/hr) handles hospital linens. These positions require OIG check and drug test but no state board license. Weekly hiring events Tuesdays 2-4pm for support positions.

   
   

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

   Yes, mandatory pre-employment health screening includes blood draw and drug test. Healthcare environment with patient safety and medication access requires drug-free workplace. Standard panel typically tests for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, PCP. Failed test is automatic disqualification. Random testing may occur post-hire in certain positions. Must be completely clean before applying.

   
   

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

   South Dakota does not have ban-the-box law for private employers—Monument Health can ask about criminal history at any point including on application. Background check conducted after conditional offer. OIG exclusion verified as part of screening. Be prepared for honest disclosure whenever asked. Dishonesty is worse than the conviction itself.

   
   

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

   Yes, advancement possible in support services track. Path: EVS/Dietary → Lead/Senior → Supervisor → Manager → Director of Support Services. Criminal history already known from initial hiring—positive employment record supports advancement. Clinical advancement (CNA → LPN → RN) requires South Dakota board approval at each licensed step. Management positions in support services achievable without clinical license.

   
   

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

   Support positions: 1-3 weeks typical. Weekly hiring events may provide same-day offers for EVS, Dietary positions with background contingency. Licensed positions: Longer due to state board verification. Drug test and health screening completed promptly after conditional offer. OIG verification immediate. Fingerprint processing time varies.

   
   

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

    Check OIG exclusion status first (non-negotiable); Be completely drug-free before applying; Target non-licensed support positions initially; Attend Tuesday hiring events (2-4pm, 1400 Turbine Drive); Emphasize integrity and patient safety commitment; Document rehabilitation thoroughly; Be completely honest about criminal history; Consider long-term career path in support services or research board requirements for clinical licensure.

Alternative Second

Conclusion

Monument Health offers legitimate Second Chance opportunity in healthcare, particularly for non-licensed support positions. As western South Dakota's leading not-for-profit healthcare system with over 4,500 employees across 5 hospitals and 40+ clinics, Monument Health provides individualized assessment of criminal history per EEOC requirements rather than blanket exclusion. High-volume hiring for support roles reflected in weekly on-the-spot hiring events.

Critical first step: Check OIG Exclusion List at https://exclusions.oig.hhs.gov BEFORE applying for any healthcare position. OIG exclusion is automatic, permanent bar from any position at any healthcare facility billing Medicare or Medicaid this is federal law, not employer policy, with no exceptions, no waivers available from Monument Health or any other employer. Exclusions typically last minimum 5 years but often 10+ years or permanent depending on offense. If your name appears on the LEIE, do not apply to Monument Health or any healthcare employer until exclusion is officially removed by OIG. This single federal requirement disqualifies more healthcare job seekers than any other factor because it applies to ALL positions clinical and non-clinical, patient-facing and back-office at every Medicare/Medicaid-billing facility nationwide.

Best path for Second Chance applicants: Environmental Services (EVS) at $14-$18/hr offers most accessible entry point hospital housekeeping, sanitation, patient room turnover, equipment cleaning, with no clinical license required and limited direct patient contact during procedures. Training provided by employer for hospital-specific cleaning protocols and infection control procedures. Dietary/Food Services ($14-$17/hr) involves patient meal preparation, tray delivery, cafeteria operations, and food safety compliance. Laundry Services ($13-$17/hr) handles hospital linens and requires physical stamina. All three entry positions require OIG exclusion verification and mandatory drug testing but avoid South Dakota state board licensing requirements that create additional barriers for clinical positions. Weekly on-the-spot hiring events every Tuesday from 2-4pm at 1400 Turbine Drive in Rapid City provide direct access to Monument Health recruiters with potential same-day conditional offers for qualified support position candidates who pass initial screening.

Key success factors: Verify OIG status first; Pass mandatory drug test; Target non-licensed support positions initially; Attend weekly hiring events; Emphasize integrity and patient safety; Document rehabilitation if conviction concerning; Be completely honest throughout process; Consider support services career track or research state board requirements for clinical licensure path.

Understanding the opportunity: Monument Health's community-focused mission to "make a difference, every day" extends to employment practices that evaluate individual circumstances rather than applying categorical exclusions to all applicants with criminal history. As the regional healthcare hub serving the Black Hills area and 20 communities across western South Dakota and eastern Wyoming, Monument Health creates stable employment foundation in an essential industry that serves regardless of economic conditions. Support services track offers genuine advancement opportunities to supervisory and management roles without requiring clinical licensure employees can build meaningful 20-30 year healthcare careers in EVS, Dietary, or Facilities management. Those who clear OIG exclusion verification, pass drug testing, and demonstrate reliability and professionalism can contribute meaningfully to patient care environment and community health while building stable career and income. Not-for-profit, community-based mission creates workplace culture focused on service rather than profit maximization, potentially providing more supportive environment for Second Chance employees committed to professional growth.

Apply Now at monument.health/careers or attend weekly hiring events Tuesdays 2-4pm at 1400 Turbine Drive, Rapid City, SD 57703

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Monument Health specific policies may vary. OIG exclusion requirements strictly enforced by federal law. Drug testing mandatory. South Dakota board approval required for licensed positions. Salary data from 2024-2025 job postings may vary by position, experience, and credentials. Individual outcomes depend on OIG status, criminal history specifics, drug test results, qualifications, and position requirements. Monument Health name used for informational purposes. FelonFriendlyJobsNow.com makes no warranties about employment outcomes.