Quick Answer

Yes, Prisma Health hires individuals with felony convictions. As the largest not-for-profit healthcare organization in South Carolina with approximately 32,000 team members serving over 1.2 million patients annually, Prisma Health conducts individualized assessment of criminal history per EEOC requirements. A criminal record is not automatic disqualifier but reviewed based on job relevance and circumstances.

CRITICAL BARRIERS: OIG/SAM Exclusion (Office of Inspector General and System for Award Management lists create permanent bar for healthcare fraud and certain convictions check https://exclusions.oig.hhs.gov BEFORE applying); Mandatory drug testing including THC, cocaine, opioids required for all positions; Health screening including TB test and immunizations; Licensed positions require South Carolina state board approval. Prisma Health operates hospitals in Greenville and Columbia markets formed from merger of Greenville Health System and Palmetto Health. Company purpose: "Inspire health. Serve with compassion. Be the difference." Best opportunities in non-licensed support roles: Environmental Services ($13-$17/hr), Food Services ($13-$16/hr), Patient Transport ($14-$18/hr) where clinical license not required.

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 Prisma Health, critically assess these requirements:

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

   
   

2. 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; Fraud in non-healthcare programs. Check your status.

   
   

3. Pass Mandatory Drug Screening: Prisma Health requires negative drug screening including THC, cocaine, opioids, and other substances for all new hires and contractors. Healthcare environment with medication access and patient safety requires drug-free workplace. Failed test is disqualification. Must be completely clean before applying.

   
   

4. Complete Health Screening Requirements: Pre-employment health screening includes TB test and required immunizations for healthcare setting. Must meet health requirements to work in patient care environment.

   
   

5. Assess Position Type and License Requirements: Licensed positions (RN, LPN, CNA, Pharmacy Tech) require South Carolina state board approval—separate from Prisma Health hiring decision. Non-licensed support positions (EVS, Food Services, Transport) have lower barriers.

   
   

6. Leverage the 7-Year Rule: If felony is older than 7 years and not related to OIG exclusion categories, you may be in stronger position. Prisma Health reserves right to require additional documentation—prepare rehabilitation evidence.

Critical Regulatory Information

CRITICAL: Prisma Health operates under federal healthcare exclusion requirements and comprehensive compliance standards. Understanding these frameworks is essential for Second Chance applicants.

OIG/SAM Exclusion Lists - Mandatory Bar

Under federal law (Social Security Act Section 1128), Prisma Health MUST exclude anyone on the Office of Inspector General Exclusion List (LEIE) or System for Award Management (SAM) exclusion list 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 longer, some permanent) result from: Healthcare fraud conviction; Patient abuse, neglect, or exploitation; Felony controlled substance conviction (manufacture/distribution); Felony healthcare-related fraud. Prisma Health screens all employees against OIG/SAM lists—discovered exclusion results in immediate termination. CHECK YOUR STATUS at https://exclusions.oig.hhs.gov BEFORE applying.

Mandatory Drug Screening

Prisma Health requires negative drug screening for all new hires and contractors. Testing includes THC, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, and other controlled substances. Healthcare environment with patient safety requirements and medication access demands drug-free workplace. South Carolina has not legalized recreational marijuana—THC positive results in disqualification even if from legal sources in other states. Failed drug test is automatic disqualification. Random testing may occur post-hire. Must be completely drug-free before applying.

Health Screening Requirements

Pre-employment health screening is mandatory for healthcare positions. Requirements include tuberculosis (TB) test and required immunizations appropriate for healthcare setting. Working in hospitals and patient care facilities requires meeting health standards to protect vulnerable patient populations. Health screening documentation must be completed before starting work.

State Board Licensing Requirements

Licensed healthcare positions require South Carolina Board of Nursing or applicable professional board approval. Board has independent authority to approve or deny license based on criminal history—separate from Prisma Health hiring decision. Licensed positions include: Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Pharmacy Technician, Medical Assistant (certified), Respiratory Therapist. Board review considers offense nature, time elapsed, rehabilitation evidence.

EEOC Individualized Assessment

For non-excluded applicants, Prisma Health conducts 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. Prisma Health reserves right to require additional documentation to support individualized assessment. Criminal record is not automatic disqualifier but reviewed for job-relatedness.

Company Overview

Prisma Health is the largest not-for-profit health organization in South Carolina, serving more than 1.2 million patients annually across the state through a comprehensive network of healthcare facilities. With approximately 32,000 team members dedicated to patient care and community health, Prisma Health represents one of the most significant employers in South Carolina and the dominant healthcare system in both the Upstate (Greenville) and Midlands (Columbia) regions. Company purpose is to "Inspire health. Serve with compassion. Be the difference."—a mission reflected in patient-centered care approach and community involvement initiatives. As not-for-profit organization, Prisma Health reinvests revenue into facilities, services, and community health programs rather than distributing profits to shareholders.

Prisma Health was formed from the transformative merger of two historic South Carolina healthcare systems: Greenville Health System (serving the Upstate region with flagship Greenville Memorial Hospital) and Palmetto Health (serving the Midlands region including the Columbia area with flagship Richland Hospital), creating a unified not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the health of South Carolinians through enhanced clinical quality, expanded access to care, improved patient experience, and addressing rising healthcare costs. The merger combined over a century of healthcare service and community commitment, bringing together complementary geographic coverage, clinical expertise, and organizational resources. Together these legacy systems served millions of South Carolinians for generations before unification.

The organization operates multiple hospitals including Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital (major teaching hospital in Upstate), Prisma Health Richland Hospital (flagship in Columbia Midlands), Prisma Health North Greenville Hospital, and numerous other acute care facilities throughout South Carolina. Network extends to urgent care centers in Greenville and Columbia markets, extensive physician practice network, specialty centers, and outpatient facilities providing comprehensive healthcare access. Prisma Health is committed to community involvement, medical education partnerships (including significant relationship with University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville providing unique clinical education opportunities), and clinical research advancing medical care. Mission-driven culture prioritizes patient-centered care, collaborative team environment, and employee development through continuing education, leadership training, and tuition reimbursement programs.

Company Fast Facts

• Headquarters: Greenville and Columbia, South Carolina;

• Employees: ~32,000 team members;

• Status: Not-for-profit healthcare;

• Patients Served: 1.2+ million annually; Markets: Greenville (Upstate) and Columbia (Midlands);

• Formed: Merger of Greenville Health System and Palmetto Health;

• Purpose: Inspire health. Serve with compassion. Be the difference; Services: Hospitals, physician practices, urgent care, outpatient, community health.

Hiring Policy Analysis

Prisma Health hiring shaped by federal healthcare exclusion requirements, state licensing regulations, and EEOC individualized assessment. OIG/SAM exclusion is absolute bar—no exceptions. For non-excluded applicants, criminal history reviewed using individualized assessment considering job-relatedness rather than blanket exclusion. Compliance and safety focus reflects healthcare environment requirements.

Healthcare employer with 32,000 employees creates diverse opportunities across support, clinical, and administrative positions. Non-licensed support positions offer most accessible pathways. Organization prioritizes patient-centered care and fosters culture of compassion and collaboration. Professional development programs, continuing education, leadership training, and tuition reimbursement support career advancement. Internal mobility and mentorship opportunities available.

Position-Specific Barriers

Available Positions and Pay

Pay data from 2024-2025 Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and Prisma Health job postings. South Carolina healthcare market rates.

Career Path Examples

Support Services Track: Environmental Services ($13-$17/hr starting, hospital housekeeping, sanitation, patient room turnover, infection control cleaning with no clinical license required—comprehensive training provided) → Senior EVS Technician/Lead ($15-$19/hr, training new team members, quality oversight, specialized cleaning procedures, 1-2 years experience) → EVS Supervisor ($40K-$55K annually, team scheduling, supply management, staff training, quality assurance) → EVS Manager ($50K-$70K, department operations, budget responsibility, policy implementation) → Director of Support Services (executive leadership over multiple departments).

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

Clinical Support Track (if license obtainable): Environmental Services or Food Services (building positive healthcare employment record, demonstrating reliability in healthcare setting) → Patient Transporter ($14-$18/hr, moving patients throughout facility, wheelchair and gurney operation, direct patient interaction experience, customer service skills development) → Pursue CNA certification with South Carolina Board approval → Patient Support Technician or Certified Nursing Assistant (assists Registered Nurse with basic patient care, vital signs, activities of daily living) → Pursue LPN education → Licensed Practical Nurse ($20-$28/hr, medication administration, patient assessment, nursing care under RN supervision) → RN Bridge Program → Registered Nurse ($28-$45/hr, full scope nursing practice).

Timeline: 6-12 years for complete progression.

CRITICAL: Each licensed step (CNA, LPN, RN) requires separate South Carolina Board of Nursing approval of criminal history board has independent authority to approve or deny licensure based on its own review standards separate from Prisma Health employment decision.

Background Check Process

Prisma Health Screening Process: Application submission; Interview; Conditional offer; OIG/SAM exclusion list verification (mandatory); Mandatory drug screening (THC, cocaine, opioids, others); Health screening (TB test, immunizations); Criminal background check (typically 7-year lookback); Employment and education verification; State board license verification for clinical positions. EEOC individualized assessment if criminal history identified.

Timeline: 1-3 weeks for support positions; longer for licensed roles requiring board approval. Prisma Health reserves right to require additional documentation for individualized assessment.

Disqualifying Factors

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

  
  

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

  
  

• Evaluated Favorably: Convictions older than 7 years with rehabilitation; Non-violent offenses unrelated to healthcare; Drug possession (not trafficking) with demonstrated sobriety and treatment; Strong rehabilitation evidence; Positive employment history since conviction.

Your Rights as Applicant

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

   
   

2. 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.

   
   

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

   
   

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

   
   

2. Pass Mandatory Drug Test: Drug screening including THC, cocaine, opioids required for all positions. South Carolina has not legalized recreational marijuana. Failed test is automatic disqualification.

   
   

3. Focus on Compliance and Safety: In interview, emphasize adherence to safety protocols, ethical codes, hospital policies. Healthcare culture prioritizes compliance and patient safety.

   
   

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

   
   

5. Leverage 7-Year Rule: If felony older than 7 years and unrelated to OIG exclusion categories, highlight this. Time elapsed is positive factor in individualized assessment.

   
   

6. Prepare Rehabilitation Documentation: Prisma Health reserves right to require additional documentation.

   
   

7. Prepare: stable employment, treatment completion, character references, community involvement.

   
   

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

   
   

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

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. OIG Check is Non-Negotiable: 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, Food Services positions require no clinical license. Steady hiring at South Carolina's largest healthcare employer. Entry point to healthcare career.

   
   

3. THC Will Disqualify: South Carolina has not legalized marijuana. Prisma Health tests for THC. Positive result from any source—including legal use in other states—results in disqualification.

   
   

4. Largest SC Healthcare Employer: 32,000 employees means diverse opportunities across Greenville and Columbia markets. Multiple hospitals and facilities create ongoing hiring needs.

   
   

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

Benefits Overview

• Compensation: Competitive healthcare wages for South Carolina market; Shift differentials for applicable positions; Experience-based pay.

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, vision coverage; Comprehensive healthcare benefits from healthcare employer.

• Retirement: Retirement savings plans; Long-term financial security options.

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

• Career Development: Continuing education support; Leadership training; Tuition reimbursement; Internal mobility; Mentorship opportunities; Specialized certifications.

• Work Environment: Mission-driven culture; Patient-centered care; Collaborative team environment; Culture of compassion.

  
  

Employee Perspectives

Pros: Largest SC healthcare employer (32,000+); Mission-driven organization; Professional development support; Tuition reimbursement; Multiple locations in Greenville and Columbia; Career advancement opportunities; Not-for-profit culture; Patient-centered focus; Internal mobility.

Cons: Mandatory drug testing including THC; OIG exclusion requirements; Health screening requirements; Licensed positions require board approval; Healthcare demands; Compliance-focused environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Prisma Health hire people with felonies?

   Yes, Prisma Health hires individuals with felony convictions for positions where they meet requirements. Critical exception: Anyone on OIG Exclusion List or SAM exclusion list 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, Food Services) most accessible. Licensed positions require separate SC board approval.

   
   

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

   Comprehensive process includes: OIG/SAM exclusion list verification (mandatory); Drug screening (THC, cocaine, opioids, others); Health screening (TB test, immunizations); Criminal background check (typically 7-year lookback); Employment and education verification; State license verification for clinical roles. Prisma Health reserves right to require additional documentation for individualized assessment. FCRA adverse action process applies if background leads to potential denial.

   
   

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

   Standard criminal history: 7 years typical under FCRA guidelines. OIG Exclusion: NO time limit—exclusions remain until officially removed, often 5+ years or permanent. State Board Licensing: Varies—may review complete criminal history for licensed positions. Convictions older than 7 years generally evaluated more favorably during individualized assessment if rehabilitation demonstrated.

   
   

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

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

   
   

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

   Environmental Services (EVS) at $13-$17/hr is most accessible—hospital housekeeping, sanitation, no clinical license required. Food Services/Dietary ($13-$16/hr) prepares and delivers patient meals. Patient Transporter ($14-$18/hr) moves patients throughout facility. These positions require OIG check and drug test but no state board license. With 32,000 employees across South Carolina, ongoing hiring opportunities exist.

   
   

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

   Yes, mandatory drug screening for all new hires and contractors. Testing includes THC (marijuana), cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, and other controlled substances. IMPORTANT: South Carolina has not legalized recreational marijuana—THC positive from any source results in disqualification. Healthcare environment requires drug-free workplace due to patient safety and medication access. Random testing may occur post-hire.

   
   

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

   South Carolina does not have ban-the-box law for private employers—Prisma 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. Healthcare requires trust—dishonesty is automatic disqualification.

   
   

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

   Yes, advancement possible in support services track. Path: EVS/Food Services → 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 SC 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 including drug test, health screening, background check. Licensed positions: Longer due to state board verification. OIG/SAM verification immediate. Health screening (TB test, immunizations) must be completed before start. Prisma Health may require additional documentation for individualized assessment which could extend timeline.

   
   

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

    Check OIG/SAM exclusion status first (non-negotiable); Be completely drug-free including THC; Target non-licensed support positions; Leverage 7-year rule if conviction is old; Prepare comprehensive rehabilitation documentation; Be completely honest; Emphasize compliance and safety commitment; Consider long-term career path in support services or research SC board requirements for clinical licensure.

Alternative Second

Conclusion

Prisma Health offers Second Chance opportunity as South Carolina's largest healthcare employer with 32,000 team members, but employment fundamentally constrained by federal OIG/SAM exclusion requirements. Anyone on exclusion lists is permanently barred from all healthcare positions until removal—this is federal law, not employer policy. For non-excluded applicants, Prisma Health conducts EEOC-required individualized assessment rather than blanket exclusion.

Critical first step: Check OIG Exclusion List at https://exclusions.oig.hhs.gov and System for Award Management (SAM) exclusion list BEFORE applying for any healthcare position. OIG/SAM exclusion is automatic, permanent bar from any position at any healthcare facility billing Medicare or Medicaid—this is federal law (Social Security Act Section 1128), not employer policy, with no exceptions and no waivers available from Prisma Health or any other employer. Exclusions typically last minimum 5 years but often much longer or permanent depending on offense. If your name appears on either exclusion list, do not apply to Prisma Health or any healthcare employer until exclusion is officially removed by federal authorities. 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.

Best path for Second Chance applicants: Environmental Services ($13-$17/hr starting) offers most accessible entry point—hospital housekeeping, sanitation, patient room turnover, infection control cleaning with no clinical license required and training provided by employer. Food Services/Dietary ($13-$16/hr) involves patient meal preparation, tray delivery, cafeteria operations. Patient Transporter ($14-$18/hr) moves patients throughout hospital facilities using wheelchairs and gurneys. All three positions require OIG exclusion verification and mandatory drug testing (including THC) but avoid South Carolina state board licensing requirements that create additional barriers for clinical positions. As South Carolina's largest healthcare employer with 32,000 team members across Greenville and Columbia markets, Prisma Health has ongoing hiring opportunities for qualified support services candidates who pass screening requirements.

Key success factors: Verify OIG/SAM status first; Pass mandatory drug test including THC (SC has not legalized marijuana); Target non-licensed support positions; Leverage 7-year rule if conviction is old; Prepare rehabilitation documentation; Be completely honest; Emphasize compliance and safety commitment; Consider support services career track or research SC board requirements for clinical licensure path.

Understanding the opportunity: Prisma Health's mission to "Inspire health. Serve with compassion. Be the difference" extends to employment practices that evaluate individual circumstances through EEOC-required individualized assessment rather than categorical exclusions for all applicants with criminal history. Not-for-profit, mission-driven organizational culture creates workplace environment focused on service rather than profit maximization, potentially providing more supportive setting for Second Chance employees committed to professional growth and patient care. Support services track offers genuine advancement opportunities to supervisory and management roles without requiring clinical licensure—employees can build meaningful 20-30 year careers in EVS, Food Services, or Facilities management at South Carolina's largest healthcare system. Those who clear federal OIG exclusion requirements, pass mandatory drug testing including THC, and demonstrate reliability and professionalism through consistent performance can contribute meaningfully to patient care environment and community health while building stable careers and income across Prisma Health's extensive network of hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities in both Greenville and Columbia markets.

Apply Now at careers.prismahealth.org

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Prisma Health specific policies may vary. OIG/SAM exclusion requirements strictly enforced by federal law. Drug testing mandatory including THC—South Carolina has not legalized marijuana. SC 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. Prisma Health name used for informational purposes. FelonFriendlyJobsNow.com makes no warranties about employment outcomes.