Final answer:
Yes, the board can refuse to license an applicant with a felony conviction, depending on the specific laws and regulations of that particular field.
Step-by-step explanation:
The board can refuse to license an applicant who has been convicted of a felony. However, this decision must be based on the specific laws and regulations governing the licensing process. In some cases, certain felonies may disqualify an applicant from being licensed due to the nature of the offense or the potential risk it poses to the public.
For example, in the field of medicine, a person convicted of a felony related to drug abuse or patient harm may be denied a medical license. Similarly, in the field of law, a person convicted of a felony involving dishonesty or moral turpitude may be denied admission to the bar and thus not be licensed to practice law.
It is important to note that each licensing board or regulatory agency has its own set of rules and criteria for evaluating applicants, including any criminal convictions. So, while it is possible for a board to refuse licensing to someone with a felony conviction, it will depend on the specific circumstances and requirements of that particular field.