Navigating the requirements for Community Care Licensing often involves understanding the Live Scan fingerprinting process. This electronic method is crucial for background checks, ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals within community care facilities. This guide provides essential information about the Request For Live Scan Service Community Care Licensing Form and the overall process.
Understanding the Request for Live Scan Form (LIC 9163)
The Request for Live Scan form, specifically the LIC 9163, is a vital document in the California Community Care Licensing (CCL) process. This form initiates your background check by capturing your fingerprints and transmitting them electronically to the Department of Justice (DOJ). This digital approach has replaced the older ink-and-roll method, offering a faster and more efficient way to process criminal record checks.
What is the LIC 9163 Form?
Form LIC 9163 is the official request for live scan service community care licensing form provided by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). It is designed to gather necessary personal information and fingerprint data required for a comprehensive background check. This check is mandatory for individuals seeking to be licensees, employees, or volunteers in various community care settings. The form ensures that the DOJ and the Community Care Licensing Division receive all the essential details to conduct a thorough and accurate background investigation.
Where to Obtain the LIC 9163 Form
You can obtain the request for live scan service community care licensing form LIC 9163 from several sources:
- Online Download: The form is readily available for download from the CDSS website. You can find the LIC 9163 form online.
- Local Community Care Licensing Division Office: You can also acquire the form directly from your local Community Care Licensing Division office.
- Potential Employer or Licensee: Crucially, your potential employer, licensee, or provider should supply you with the correct Live Scan form. This is emphasized because these forms contain specific agency-related information essential for processing your background check.
Why is the Correct Form Important?
Using the correct request for live scan service community care licensing form is paramount. Forms provided by your prospective employer or licensing agency include unique information specific to that organization. This pre-populated data is necessary for the Community Care Licensing Division to accurately process your fingerprints and associate the background check results with the correct application or license. Using an incorrect or generic form can lead to processing delays or even rejection of your application. Always ensure you are using the form provided to you by the relevant agency.
The Live Scan Fingerprinting Process
Live Scan technology streamlines the fingerprinting process. It’s an inkless method that electronically captures your fingerprints and transmits them securely to the DOJ.
Electronic Fingerprinting Explained
Unlike traditional ink fingerprinting, Live Scan uses a digital scanner. You place your fingers on a glass plate, and the scanner digitally records your fingerprints. This method is cleaner, faster, and more accurate. The electronic transmission eliminates the need for physical fingerprint cards, reducing the chances of errors and speeding up the background check process.
Steps in the Live Scan Process
Here are the general steps involved in the Live Scan fingerprinting process after you have obtained the request for live scan service community care licensing form:
- Obtain the Correct Form: Ensure you have the properly completed request for live scan service community care licensing form (LIC 9163) provided by your employer, licensee, or obtained from official sources.
- Locate a Live Scan Provider: Find a certified Live Scan service provider. The California Attorney General’s website offers a website to locate nearby providers. It’s advisable to contact the provider beforehand to confirm their operating hours, fees, and appointment requirements.
- Visit the Live Scan Site: Go to the Live Scan location with your completed request for live scan service community care licensing form and a valid photo ID.
- Fingerprinting: A trained Live Scan operator will take your fingerprints using the electronic scanner. They will also input your personal information from the form into the system.
- Payment: You will be informed of the fees associated with the Live Scan service. These fees typically cover the cost of fingerprint transmission and processing by the DOJ, FBI, and Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) if applicable.
- Data Transmission: Once your fingerprints and data are captured, the Live Scan operator will electronically transmit the information to the DOJ for processing.
Fees and Payment
Understanding the costs associated with the request for live scan service community care licensing form and the Live Scan process is important.
Understanding Live Scan Costs
The fees for Live Scan services are not fixed and can vary depending on the provider and the required background checks. Generally, the charges include:
- Live Scan Service Provider Fee: This is the fee charged by the Live Scan vendor for their services, including capturing and transmitting your fingerprints.
- DOJ Processing Fee: The Department of Justice charges a fee for processing the criminal background check.
- FBI Processing Fee: The Federal Bureau of Investigation may also charge a fee for federal background checks.
- CACI Check Fee (if applicable): If required for your specific community care role, a Child Abuse Central Index check fee will be included.
For a detailed breakdown of potential fees, you can refer to the Live Scan Fees document. Remember to confirm the exact charges with your chosen Live Scan provider before your appointment.
Processing Times and Results
After completing your Live Scan and submitting your request for live scan service community care licensing form, you’ll want to know the expected processing times for your background check results.
Expected Timelines for Background Checks
The time it takes to receive background check results can vary. However, typical estimates for results sent to the Care Provider Management Branch (CPMB) are:
- 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 note that these are estimated timeframes for cases with no criminal history.
Factors Affecting Processing Time
Several factors can extend the processing time for your background check:
- Criminal History: If you have a criminal record, the processing time will be significantly longer as the DOJ conducts a more in-depth review.
- Fingerprint Rejection: In rare cases, fingerprints may be rejected by the DOJ due to quality issues. This will require resubmission and will add to the processing time.
- High Volume Periods: Processing times may also be slightly longer during periods of high application volume.
Understanding the request for live scan service community care licensing form and the Live Scan process is crucial for anyone seeking to work or volunteer in community care in California. By using the correct form, following the steps outlined, and understanding the associated fees and timelines, you can navigate this essential requirement efficiently and effectively.
