Navigating the requirements to become a certified home care aide can seem complex, and one crucial step in this process is undergoing a Live Scan. This electronic fingerprinting and background check system is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals receiving home care services. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Home Care Aide Live Scan process.
What is Live Scan and Why is it Required for Home Care Aides?
Live Scan is a digital fingerprinting technology that has replaced the traditional ink-based method. It’s a streamlined and efficient way to capture fingerprints and electronically transmit them, along with your personal information, directly to the Department of Justice (DOJ). This process takes only seconds and allows for quicker background checks.
For aspiring home care aides, undergoing a Live Scan is a mandatory step. This requirement is in place to ensure that all registered home care aides have been thoroughly vetted through criminal background checks. The DOJ uses these fingerprints to verify your identity and check for any criminal records, contributing to a safer environment for clients needing home care services. The results are then securely sent to the relevant authorities, confirming your eligibility to work as a home care aide.
Understanding the Live Scan Application Process for Home Care Aides
The Live Scan process is straightforward, but it’s important to follow each step carefully. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to do:
1. Obtain the Correct Live Scan Form (LIC 9163)
The first crucial step is getting the correct Request for Live Scan form, known as LIC 9163. It is very important to use the specific form provided to you by your potential employer, the Home Care Organization, or the Home Care Services Branch. These forms contain unique information specific to the requesting agency, which is essential for proper processing of your background check.
You can typically obtain this form in a few ways:
- From Your Employer: The Home Care Organization you are applying to will usually provide you with the necessary LIC 9163 form.
- Home Care Services Branch: You can contact the Home Care Services Branch directly at (916) 657-3570 or via email at [email protected] to request a hard copy of the Live Scan Submission form.
- Local Community Care Licensing Division Office: You may also be able to obtain the form from a local Community Care Licensing Division office.
Using the correct form ensures that your fingerprints are correctly associated with your application to become a home care aide.
2. Find a Live Scan Provider
Once you have the LIC 9163 form, you need to find a certified Live Scan provider to capture your fingerprints. Here’s how to locate one:
- Attorney General’s Website: The California Attorney General’s website offers a tool to find Live Scan locations near you: https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/locations. This is the most comprehensive resource.
- CDSS Provider List: The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) may provide a list of recently active Live Scan providers. However, it’s always recommended to contact the providers beforehand to confirm their operating hours, fees, and appointment availability.
It’s advisable to call the Live Scan provider before visiting to confirm they are currently operational and to inquire about their fees and any appointment requirements.
3. What to Expect at the Live Scan Site
When you go to the Live Scan provider, be sure to bring the completed LIC 9163 form and a valid form of photo identification (like a driver’s license or passport).
The Live Scan operator will:
- Review your LIC 9163 form.
- Capture your fingerprints electronically. This is a quick and painless process.
- Inform you of the fees. These fees typically cover the cost of transmitting your fingerprints and the necessary DOJ, FBI, and Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) checks, if applicable.
- Transmit your data electronically to the DOJ.
After your fingerprints are taken, the provider will give you a receipt confirming your Live Scan submission. Keep this receipt for your records.
Understanding Results and Timelines
After your Live Scan is submitted, the DOJ processes your background check and sends the results electronically to the Care Provider Management Branch (CPMB).
Here are the estimated timeframes to receive results if there is no criminal history:
- DOJ Fingerprint Check: Approximately 3 days.
- FBI Fingerprint Check: Approximately 5 days.
- Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) Check: 4-6 weeks (Note: A CACI check is not always required for home care aides).
Important Note: These timeframes are estimates and can be significantly longer if you have a criminal history or if there are issues with the fingerprint submission.
Additional Resources
For further information and resources, you can refer to the following:
- Request for Live Scan form LIC 9163: LIC 9163 Form
- Attorney General’s Website to Find Live Scan Locations: https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/locations
By understanding the Live Scan process, home care aides can efficiently complete this requirement and move forward in their careers, providing essential care to those in need.
