Navigating the process of Community Care Licensing can seem complex, especially when it comes to background checks. One crucial step in this process is obtaining a Live Scan, an electronic fingerprinting service mandated by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). This guide, brought to you by carcodepro.com, your trusted resource for automotive insights and beyond, breaks down everything you need to know about requesting a Live Scan for Community Care Licensing in California.
Understanding Live Scan for Community Care Licensing
Live Scan is a digital fingerprinting technology that has replaced the traditional ink-and-roll method. It’s a quick and efficient way to capture and transmit your fingerprints and personal information directly to the Department of Justice (DOJ). For individuals seeking Community Care Licensing, this electronic process is essential for mandatory background checks. The DOJ exclusively accepts these electronic submissions to process criminal record checks necessary for licensing approval. Submitting fingerprints via hard copy cards will result in rejection, emphasizing the importance of the Live Scan method.
Why is a Live Scan Required for Community Care Licensing?
The Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) relies on the DOJ’s background check results to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in community care facilities. After your Live Scan is completed, the DOJ sends the fingerprint check results electronically to the Care Provider Management Branch (CPMB) of the CCLD. This process is critical for verifying that applicants meet the necessary background clearance standards for operating or working in community care settings.
How to Request a Live Scan Form for Community Care Licensing (LIC 9163)
To initiate your Live Scan, you will need the Request for Live Scan form, officially known as LIC 9163. You can obtain this form in a few ways:
- Online Download: Access and download the LIC 9163 form directly from the CDSS website.
- Local CCLD Office: Visit your local Community Care Licensing Division office to request and pick up a physical copy of the form.
- Employer/Provider: Crucially, your potential employer, licensee, or provider should supply you with the correct Live Scan form. It is imperative to use the form provided to you by the requesting agency. These forms contain specific agency-related information essential for proper processing. Using a generic form or one from a different agency can cause delays or rejection.
For those involved with Home Care Organizations or as Home Care Aides, you can request a Live Scan Submission form by contacting the Home Care Services Branch directly at (916) 657-3570 or via email at [email protected]. Note that a Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) check is not automatically required for individuals solely affiliated with Home Care Organizations or the Home Care Aide Registry, but the LIC 9163 form will automatically request a CACI check if needed for other types of Community Care Licensing.
The Live Scan Process and Associated Fees
Once you have the correct LIC 9163 form, the next step is to visit a certified Live Scan provider. To find a provider near you, you can consult the Attorney General’s website for a comprehensive list of locations. While CDSS provides a partial list of recently active providers, verifying their operating hours and fees beforehand is always recommended.
At the Live Scan location, the operator will guide you through the process and inform you of the applicable charges. These fees typically cover:
- Transmission of Fingerprints: The cost to electronically transmit your fingerprint data.
- DOJ Processing Fees: Fees charged by the Department of Justice for conducting the criminal background check.
- FBI Processing Fees: Fees for the Federal Bureau of Investigation background check, if required.
- CACI Check Fees (if applicable): Fees for the Child Abuse Central Index check, if required for your specific license type.
An example of a Live Scan fingerprinting device. Ensure you visit a certified Live Scan provider for your Community Care Licensing request.
After capturing your fingerprints and applicant details, the Live Scan operator will electronically submit your information to the DOJ for processing. The DOJ, in turn, will send the background check results to the CPMB.
Estimated Timeframes for Live Scan Results
Understanding the expected wait times for your Live Scan results is important for planning your licensing application. Assuming there is no criminal history, you can generally expect the following timelines from the date of fingerprint submission to the DOJ:
- DOJ Fingerprint Results: Approximately 3 business days.
- FBI Fingerprint Results: Approximately 5 business days.
- Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) Check: 4-6 weeks.
It’s crucial to note that these are estimated timeframes for cases with no criminal history. If an applicant has a criminal record, or if there are issues with fingerprint transmittal or rejection by the DOJ, the processing times can be significantly longer.
Additional Resources
For further assistance and detailed information, refer to these resources:
- Request for Live Scan form LIC 9163: LIC 9163 Form
- Live Scan Provider Locations: Attorney General’s Website
- Live Scan Fees Information: Live Scan Fees PDF
Completing your Live Scan is a vital step in the Community Care Licensing process. By understanding the requirements, obtaining the correct form, and being prepared for the associated fees and timelines, you can navigate this stage efficiently and contribute to providing safe and supportive community care environments.
