Navigating the requirements for community care licensing can seem complex, and one crucial step in this process is fingerprinting. Live scan fingerprinting has become the standard method for background checks, replacing traditional ink-based methods. This guide will explain everything you need to know about the Fingerprint Live Scan Form For Community Care Licensing, ensuring you understand the process and its associated steps.
Understanding the Fingerprint Live Scan Process
Live scan is an inkless, electronic fingerprinting technology. It quickly captures digital images of your fingerprints and securely transmits them, along with your personal information, to the Department of Justice (DOJ). For community care licensing applicants, this electronic submission is essential. The DOJ exclusively accepts electronically transmitted fingerprints for criminal record checks related to licensing. Submitting fingerprints via the older FD258 fingerprint card will result in rejection, requiring electronic submission instead. While exemptions for electronic submission exist in specific, pre-approved hardship situations, they are rare and involve a lengthy process.
Obtaining and Correctly Using the LIC 9163 Form
To initiate the live scan process for community care licensing, you will need a specific form: the Request for Live Scan form, officially known as LIC 9163. You can obtain this form in several ways:
- Online: Download directly from the Community Care Licensing Division website.
- Local CCLD Office: Visit your local Community Care Licensing Division office to request a physical copy.
- Employer/Provider: Crucially, your potential employer, licensee, or provider should supply you with the correct LIC 9163 form. It is vital to use the form provided to you by them. These forms contain unique agency-specific information necessary for proper processing. Using a generic form or one from a different agency will likely cause delays or rejection of your application.
The LIC 9163 form automatically includes a Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) check, if required for your specific type of community care license. Note that for individuals solely associated with Home Care Organizations or the Home Care Aide Registry, a CACI check is not always necessary. For Home Care Organizations and Home Care Aides, a Live Scan Submission form can be requested from the Home Care Services Branch.
What to Expect at Your Live Scan Appointment
Once you have the correct LIC 9163 form, you need to find a certified Live Scan provider. The Attorney General’s website offers a tool to locate nearby providers. While the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) provides a list of recently active providers, it’s always recommended to contact the provider beforehand to confirm their operating hours, fees, and appointment availability.
At the Live Scan site, the operator will guide you through the process and inform you of the fees. These charges typically cover:
- Transmission Fees: Costs for electronically sending your fingerprints to the DOJ.
- DOJ Processing Fees: Fees charged by the Department of Justice for the criminal record check.
- FBI Processing Fees: Fees for the Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint check.
- CACI Check Fees (if applicable): Fees for the Child Abuse Central Index check.
After capturing your fingerprints and applicant information, the Live Scan operator will electronically transmit your data to the DOJ for processing.
Understanding Fingerprint Results Processing Times
The DOJ then processes your fingerprints and sends the results electronically to the Care Provider Management Branch (CPMB) of the Community Care Licensing Division. The estimated processing times are generally:
- Live Scan Fingerprints (DOJ): Approximately 3 days if there is no criminal history.
- Fingerprints (FBI): Approximately 5 days if there is no criminal history.
- Child Abuse Central Index Check: 4-6 weeks.
It’s important to be aware that these are estimated times for cases with no criminal history. If an applicant has a criminal record, or if the fingerprint/Live Scan transmittal is rejected by the Department of Justice due to quality issues or form errors, processing times will be significantly longer.
By understanding the fingerprint live scan form and process, you can navigate this crucial step of your community care licensing application more efficiently and ensure a smoother experience. Using the correct LIC 9163 form and being prepared for the process at a certified Live Scan provider are key to timely processing.
