(b) Criminal history.--A caregiver who has not been previously approved by the department under this section shall submit fingerprints for the purpose of obtaining criminal history record checks, and the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent shall submit the fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the purpose of verifying the identity of the applicant and obtaining a current record of any criminal arrests and convictions. Any criminal history record information relating to a caregiver obtained under this section by the department may be interpreted and used by the department only to determine the applicant's character, fitness and suitability to serve as a caregiver under this act. The criminal history record information provided under this subsection may not be subject to the limitations under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121(b)(2) (relating to general regulations). The department shall also review the prescription drug monitoring program relating to the caregiver. The department shall deny the application of a caregiver who has been convicted of a criminal offense that occurred within the past five years relating to the sale or possession of drugs, narcotics or controlled substances. The department may deny an application if the applicant has a history of drug abuse or of diverting controlled substances or illegal drugs.