AusCheck conducts National Health Security (NHS) checks for the Department of Health. These checks are part of the Security Sensitive Biological Agents (SSBA) Regulatory Scheme. The scheme aims to limit opportunities for acts of bioterrorism or biocrime.
If you had a background check for an NHS authorisation, you have an obligation to self-report convictions for any security-relevant offences to your entity within 2 business days of being convicted.
The SSBA Standards require an individual to undergo an NHS check if the person:
- handles Tier 1 SSBAs
- has access to facilities where Tier 1 SSBAs are handled or
- has access to sensitive information related to Tier 1 SSBAs.
Individuals who hold the following current national security clearance are not required to undergo an NHS check:
- Negative Vetting Level 1
- Negative Vetting Level 2 or
- Positive Vetting.
For more information on who requires an NHS check, visit the Department of Health website.
For more general information visit the NHS page on the AusCheck website.
