Securing your Community Care License in California involves several crucial steps, and one of the most important is the Live Scan fingerprinting process. This electronic fingerprinting is a key part of the background check required by the Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD). Understanding the Community Care Licensing Live Scan Form is essential to navigating this process smoothly and efficiently. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this vital form and its role in your licensing journey.
What is the Community Care Licensing Live Scan Form?
The community care licensing live scan form, officially known as form LIC 9163, is a Request for Live Scan service form provided by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). This form is specifically designed for individuals seeking licenses or employment within community care facilities. It serves as the official request to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct a criminal record background check. Instead of traditional ink fingerprinting, Live Scan technology captures your fingerprints electronically and securely transmits them along with your personal information to the DOJ within seconds. This digital process is significantly faster and more efficient than the older, ink-based methods. The results of this background check are then electronically sent to the Care Provider Management Branch (CPMB) of the CCLD.
Why is Using the Correct Live Scan Form Crucial?
It is critically important to use the specific community care licensing live scan form provided to you by your potential employer, licensee, or care provider. These forms are not generic; they contain unique information pertinent to the requesting agency. This pre-populated information is essential for correctly identifying your application and directing the background check results to the appropriate Community Care Licensing authority. Using an incorrect or generic form can lead to processing delays, rejection of your application, or even the background check results being sent to the wrong agency. Always ensure you are using the form specifically provided to you to avoid unnecessary complications and ensure a smooth application process.
How to Obtain Your Community Care Licensing Live Scan Form
You can obtain the required community care licensing live scan form in a few straightforward ways. The most common method is to receive it directly from the entity requiring your Live Scan, such as your prospective employer or the licensing agency itself. You can also download form LIC 9163 directly from the CDSS website. For those needing a hard copy, local Community Care Licensing Division offices are also a source for obtaining these forms. For individuals associated with Home Care Organizations or the Home Care Aide Registry, specific Live Scan submission forms can be requested from the Home Care Services Branch. It’s recommended to always confirm with the requesting agency which form is required to ensure you are using the correct and most up-to-date version.
Navigating the Live Scan Process with Your Form
Once you have your community care licensing live scan form, the next step is to visit a certified Live Scan service provider. These providers are equipped to capture your fingerprints electronically and submit them to the DOJ. When you arrive at the Live Scan site, the operator will need your completed LIC 9163 form. They will use the information on this form to process your fingerprints correctly. Before the process begins, the operator will inform you of the associated fees. These fees typically cover the cost of transmitting your fingerprints, DOJ processing fees, FBI fees, and, if required, Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) checks. After your fingerprints and personal details are recorded, the data is securely and electronically transmitted to the DOJ for processing.
Understanding Results and Timelines for Your Background Check
After your community care licensing live scan form and fingerprints are submitted, the DOJ processes your information and conducts the necessary background checks. If there is no criminal history associated with your fingerprints, the typical processing times are relatively quick. You can generally expect the DOJ fingerprint results to be available in approximately 3 days, and FBI results in about 5 days. However, the Child Abuse Central Index check can take significantly longer, typically around 4 to 6 weeks. It’s important to note that these are estimated timelines for cases with no criminal history. If an applicant has a criminal record, or if the fingerprint submission encounters any technical issues and is rejected by the DOJ, these timeframes can be considerably extended. The results of your Live Scan are sent directly to the CPMB, ensuring confidentiality and efficiency in the licensing process.
In conclusion, the community care licensing live scan form is a critical document in your journey to obtaining a Community Care License. Using the correct form, understanding the process, and being aware of the potential timelines will help ensure a smoother and faster experience. By following these guidelines, you can confidently navigate the Live Scan requirements and move forward with your Community Care Licensing application.
