Becoming a registered Home Care Aide (HCA) is a rewarding career path, allowing you to make a significant difference in people’s lives. In California, a crucial step in this process is completing a live scan for the Home Care Aide Registry. This background check ensures the safety and well-being of clients and is a mandatory requirement for registration. This guide will walk you through the live scan process and overall application for the Home Care Aide registry.
Understanding the Live Scan Requirement for Home Care Aides
Live scan is a digital fingerprinting process used to conduct background checks. For aspiring Home Care Aides, this is a critical step to ensure client safety and maintain the integrity of home care services. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) mandates this process to screen applicants against criminal history databases, protecting vulnerable individuals who rely on home care assistance. This requirement underscores the commitment to providing trustworthy and qualified caregivers.
Completing a live scan efficiently is key to a smooth application process. Below are the steps to navigate the Home Care Aide registration, incorporating the necessary live scan.
How to Complete Your Home Care Aide Registry Live Scan
There are two primary methods to apply for Home Care Aide registration: online and by mail. Both methods require a live scan.
Online Application for Home Care Aide Registration with Live Scan
Applying online is a streamlined approach. Follow these steps to register through the Guardian Applicant Portal:
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Access the Guardian Applicant Portal: Navigate to the Guardian Applicant Portal. This portal is designed for applicants to manage their registration.
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Create an Account: Click on “Register as a new user”. You will need to provide your email address, which will serve as your username. A temporary password will be sent to your email.
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Enter Application Information: Log in and begin your application. When prompted for a PIN, enter R38XKSPE if you are an independent home care aide. If you are associated with a Home Care Organization, use their PIN provided by your employer.
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Pay the Registration Fee: A $35.00 non-refundable fee is required for registration. You can pay this fee using a debit or credit card within the portal.
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Retrieve the Live Scan Form: After completing the online application and payment, you will be able to retrieve a pre-populated Live Scan form (LIC 9163). Print this form. This form contains necessary information to ensure your fingerprints are correctly associated with your Home Care Aide application.
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Submit Fingerprints with a Live Scan Vendor: Take the printed Live Scan form to an authorized Live Scan vendor. You can find a vendor near you by visiting the California Department of Justice website. The vendor will capture your fingerprints digitally and submit them electronically for the background check. Ensure you bring a valid photo ID when you go for your live scan.
Mail-in Application for Home Care Aide Registration with Live Scan
If you prefer to apply by mail, follow these steps:
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Download and Complete the Application Form: Download and print the Application for Home Care Aide Registration or Renewal (HCS 100). Complete all sections of the form accurately.
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Prepare Payment: Make a check or money order for $35.00 payable to the “California Department of Social Services”.
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Mail the Application and Fee: Send the completed HCS 100 form and your payment to the following address:
California Department of Social Services
Home Care Services Branch
744 P Street, M.S. 9-14-90
Sacramento, CA 95814 -
Download and Complete the Live Scan Form: Download and print the Request for Live Scan Service (LIC 9163) form. Complete the applicant sections.
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Submit Fingerprints with a Live Scan Vendor: Take the completed LIC 9163 form to an authorized Live Scan vendor to get your fingerprints taken and submitted. Remember to bring a valid photo ID.
Finding a Live Scan Vendor
To locate an authorized Live Scan vendor, visit the California Department of Justice website. This website provides a search tool to find vendors in your area. When choosing a vendor, consider factors such as:
- Location and Hours: Select a vendor that is conveniently located and has hours that fit your schedule.
- Fees: Live scan vendors may charge varying fees for their services in addition to the state registration fee. Inquire about their service fees beforehand.
- Appointment: Some vendors may require appointments, while others accept walk-ins. Check their requirements to ensure a smooth process.
Home Care Aide Registration Renewal and Live Scan
Home Care Aide registrations need to be renewed periodically. The renewal process also involves background checks to maintain up-to-date safety standards. While the renewal process might not always require a new live scan fingerprinting session each time, continuous background monitoring is in place.
To renew your registration, you can again use the online Guardian Applicant Portal or the mail-in method, similar to the initial application. For online renewal, select “Home Care Aide Registry Renewal” as the “Request Type” in the Guardian portal. For mail-in renewal, use the same HCS 100 form, ensuring you indicate it is for renewal.
Disclosure of HCA Personal Information
It is important to be aware that during both registration and renewal, the California Department of Social Services may disclose your name and phone number to labor organizations unless you opt-out. This disclosure is for employee organizing, representation, and assistance activities. Review the Health and Safety Code section 1796.29(d)-(f) for detailed information on this disclosure.
Conclusion
Completing the Home Care Aide Registry Live Scan is a vital step towards becoming a certified caregiver in California. By following these steps for both application and renewal, you can navigate the process efficiently and contribute to providing quality home care services. Ensuring a clean background check through live scan protects both caregivers and care recipients, building trust and safety within the home care community.
