In California, ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in community care facilities is paramount. A crucial part of this process is the mandatory fingerprinting and criminal record clearance for all community care license applicants, facility staff, and home care aides. This requirement, enforced by state statutes, ensures that individuals working in these sensitive environments have undergone thorough background checks. The Care Provider Management Branch (CPMB) is the entity responsible for granting these clearances.
Once a criminal record clearance is granted, it can be transferred between different licensed community care facilities, streamlining the process for individuals moving between roles or facilities. This transferability is a significant benefit, provided certain conditions are met. It is important to note that exemption transfers have a separate process, which is detailed on the transferring an exemption page.
Transferring Clearances Between State Licensed Facilities and TrustLine
For individuals who already possess an active criminal record clearance, transferring this clearance when moving between state licensed facilities or to the TrustLine Registry is a straightforward process. Crucially, if you have an existing active clearance, you should not be re-fingerprinted. Re-fingerprinting in such cases can lead to unnecessary delays in the transfer process. To verify an individual’s clearance status, licensees or license applicants can contact their local Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) office.
To initiate a clearance transfer between state licensed facilities, the licensee or license applicant needs to complete and submit the LIC 9182, Criminal Record Clearance Transfer Request form, to the local CCLD office. This form allows for transfers to multiple facilities simultaneously; a list of facility numbers can be attached to the form. It is imperative that all clearance transfer requests are submitted to the Department of Social Services (CDSS) before the individual in question has any client contact. This pre-emptive submission ensures the licensee remains compliant with the law.
For transfers originating from the TrustLine Registry to state licensed facilities, the TLR3 form should be used. Conversely, for transfers from state licensed facilities to the TrustLine Registry, it is recommended to contact TrustLine directly at (800) 822-8490 for specific guidance on the required forms and submission process.
It is important to reiterate that all clearance transfer requests must reach CDSS before the individual starts working or being present in the facility to maintain legal compliance. Individuals are not required to wait for a formal transfer confirmation before commencing work or presence at the facility.
Transferring Clearances Between County and State Licensed Agencies (Specific Facility Types)
The transfer of active criminal record clearances is also possible between contracting county licensing agencies and between these county agencies and state licensing agencies. However, these transfers are limited to specific licensing categories: Family Child Care Homes, Foster Family Homes, and Certified Homes. Transfers are permissible within the same category, such as from one Family Child Care Home to another, or from one Foster Family Home to another. Notably, Certified Family Homes, as defined by the Department of Justice, are considered the same facility type as licensed Foster Family Homes. This allows for transfers between Foster Family Agency certified homes and county licensed Foster Family Homes. For detailed information and specific instructions regarding county and state licensing office transfers, contacting the respective offices directly is advisable.
