According to the Board of Registration in Nursing in Massachusetts Good Moral Character is defined as, “… as the ability to practice nursing in a safe and competent manner and without risk to the public health, safety or welfare. Because it is not scientifically determinable, the Board uses evidence of past and present conduct as described below to assess GMC. Licensed nurses are required by law and regulation to be of Good Moral Character.”

Students enrolled in the Cape Cod Community Nursing Program maintain the standards of behavior outlined in the Cape Cod Community College Student Code of Conduct and Cape Cod Community College Nursing Student Handbook. Failure to adhere to standards results in penalties outlined in the Student Code of Conduct and the Nursing Program Student Handbook.

Graduating students applying for initial Registered Nurse licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must demonstrate “Good Moral Character” by answering the following six questions. These six questions can be found on the Application for Initial Nurse Licensure by Examination (NCLEX) page 2, effective April 2016. An individual who has been convicted of certain designated felonies is permanently ineligible for licensure as a Registered Nurse in Massachusetts.

Application for Initial Nurse Licensure By Examination

Questions: If you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions, the Board must evaluate your compliance with the Good Moral Character (GMC) licensure requirement. This evaluation must be completed to determine your qualification for initial licensure in Massachusetts. Prior to submitting this application, review the Board’s Licensure Policy 00-01: Determination of Good Moral Character Compliance and the Determination of Good Moral Character Compliance Information Sheet. Submit all required documentation to the Board as directed. Failure to answer all questions truthfully may result in a five year exclusion from licensure.

1. Has any disciplinary action ever been taken against you by a professional and/or trade licensing/certification board located in the United States or any country/foreign jurisdiction, including removal from a long-term care nurse aide registry program?
2. Are you the subject of an investigation or pending disciplinary action by a professional and/or trade licensing/certification board located in the United States or any country/foreign jurisdiction, including a long-term care nurse aide registry program?
3. Have you ever applied for, and been denied, a professional and/or trade license/certification in the United States or any other country/foreign jurisdiction?
4. Have you ever surrendered or resigned a professional and/or trade license/certificate in the United States or any other country/foreign jurisdiction?
5. Have you ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor in the United States or any other country/foreign jurisdiction?
6. Are you the subject of any pending or open criminal case(s) or investigation(s), (including for any felony or misdemeanor) in a jurisdiction in the United States or any country/foreign jurisdiction?

If you have answered “yes” to any of the above questions, the Board may deny your application for licensure. Denial of licensure by the Board is considered a disciplinary action and may have consequences before other professional licensing and certifying boards, including any licenses or certifications you may currently hold.

If you answered “yes” to question #6, DO NOT submit this application. In accordance with Licensure Policy 00-01: Determination of Good Moral Character Compliance the Board will deny licensure if the applicant has failed to fulfill all requirements imposed by a licensure/certification body or if all criminal matters have not been closed for at least one (1) year.

For additional information regarding conduct demonstrating an absence of Good Moral Character please refer to the Board of Registration’s website at:

• Good Moral Character requirements for nursing licensure
• Nursing Licenses