Live scan fingerprinting services are essential for various professional and licensing requirements, especially within community care. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the process, focusing on the privacy implications and how to request these services in Maryland. We aim to clarify the details around obtaining live scan fingerprinting, particularly concerning community care licensing and the associated privacy statements.
Understanding Live Scan Fingerprinting for Community Care Licensing
Live scan fingerprinting is a digital method of capturing fingerprints, replacing the traditional ink-and-roll technique. This technology is widely used for background checks required for employment, licensing, and various clearances. In the context of community care licensing, fingerprinting is a critical step to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations.
Community care licensing often mandates background checks for individuals working in facilities that provide care services. These facilities can range from childcare centers and elder care homes to healthcare providers. Fingerprinting helps to verify an applicant’s identity and check for any criminal history that might disqualify them from working in such sensitive roles.
The process typically involves capturing your fingerprints digitally using a live scan machine and submitting them to the relevant authorities, such as the Maryland Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) and the FBI, for a comprehensive background check.
Privacy Statement and Your Rights
When undergoing fingerprinting for community care licensing, understanding the privacy statement is paramount. The State of Maryland, like many other jurisdictions, adheres to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Privacy Act policies concerning the retention, use, and disclosure of fingerprint data.
The Privacy Act Statement is crucial as it outlines how your fingerprints and related information will be handled. It ensures transparency and informs you about your rights regarding this sensitive personal data. Key aspects of the privacy statement include:
- Authority: The legal basis for collecting your fingerprints, which usually stems from state or federal laws related to background checks for specific sectors like community care.
- Purpose: Clearly states why your fingerprints are being collected – in this case, for background checks related to community care licensing.
- Routine Uses: Explains how your fingerprint data may be used, including sharing with authorized agencies for criminal history record checks.
- Disclosure: Details when and to whom your information may be disclosed, ensuring it’s only for legitimate and legally authorized purposes.
- Consequences of Non-Submission: Outlines what happens if you refuse to provide fingerprints, which typically means you will not be eligible for the employment or license in question.
It’s important to review the complete Privacy Act Statement provided by the FBI to fully understand your rights and how your information is protected. You can access this statement at the FBI’s website on Privacy Act Statement.
Additionally, the Federal Noncriminal Justice Applicant’s Privacy Rights document further elaborates on your rights during the non-criminal justice fingerprinting process. This document, available at Applicant Privacy Rights, provides essential guidelines and principles ensuring your privacy is respected throughout the process.
By understanding these privacy statements, applicants can be assured that their personal information is handled with care and in accordance with legal standards.
Requesting Live Scan Fingerprinting Services in Maryland
For those needing live scan fingerprinting services in Maryland, there are several options available, including CJIS-operated services and private providers.
CJIS Operated Fingerprinting Services
The Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) offers fingerprinting services at various locations. You can opt for walk-in services at their CJIS Storefront or schedule appointments at CJIS MVA locations.
Walk-in Service:
- Location: CJIS Storefront, 6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 101, Baltimore, MD 21215.
- Availability: Walk-in service is available during business hours.
Appointment-Based Services:
Appointments are mandatory at the following CJIS offices located within Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) buildings:
- CJIS MVA Bel Air: 501 West MacPhail Road, Bel Air, MD
- CJIS MVA Frederick: 1601 Bowman’s Farm Road, Frederick, MD
- CJIS MVA Glen Burnie: 6601 Ritchie Hwy, N.E., Glen Burnie, MD
- CJIS MVA Salisbury: 251 Tilghman Rd, Salisbury, MD
- CJIS MVA Waldorf: 11 Industrial Park Drive, Waldorf, MD
Scheduling an Appointment:
- For Commercial Driver’s License Hazardous Material (CDL HazMat) endorsement fingerprinting: Call MVA Customer Service at 410-768-7000.
- For all other applicant fingerprinting (including community care licensing): Call CJIS Customer Service at 410-764-4501 or 1-888-795-0011 (toll-free).
It is always recommended to call ahead to confirm hours of operation and any specific requirements, especially regarding state holidays or weather-related closures.
An image of the CJIS Storefront entrance for walk-in fingerprinting services in Baltimore, Maryland.
Private Fingerprinting Providers
In addition to CJIS-operated services, Maryland has numerous authorized private providers who offer fingerprinting services. These providers are regulated by the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 12.15.05 and are authorized to perform fingerprinting for non-criminal justice purposes.
Using a private provider can offer more flexibility in terms of location and appointment scheduling. Private providers may also have varying service fees in addition to the state and FBI fees for background checks.
Key Considerations when Choosing a Private Provider:
- Convenience: Location and operating hours.
- Fees: Inquire about their service fees in addition to state and federal background check costs.
- Appointment Scheduling: Check if appointments are needed and their availability.
A comprehensive list of private providers is available in the original article, categorized with addresses and phone numbers for easy access. It’s recommended to contact the private provider directly to confirm their hours of operation and specific service details.
Government Operated Services
Various government agencies also offer fingerprinting services. These can be convenient options depending on your location and specific needs. Government-operated services may include local police departments, sheriff’s offices, and educational institutions.
Examples of Government Operated Services (Refer to original article for a full list):
- Annapolis Police Department
- Berlin Police Department
- Charles County Sheriff’s Office
- Frederick County Sheriff’s Office
Contact the specific government agency for their hours of operation, appointment requirements, and any associated fees.
Fees and Required Information
Understanding the fees and required information is crucial for a smooth fingerprinting process.
Associated CJIS Fees:
CJIS charges fees for processing criminal background record checks. These fees include a CJIS service fee for in-person fingerprinting.
| CATEGORY | BACKGROUND CHECK COST (CJIS Service Fee of $20.00 included for In-Person fingerprinting*) |
|---|---|
| Full background [state and FBI] (authorized agencies) | $30.00 for Mail-In* / $50.00 for In-Person |
| Full background [state and FBI] (child care volunteers) | $28.00 for Mail-In* / $48.00 for In-Person |
| Maryland Mentor (child care volunteers) | *$15.00 (with certification card) for In-Person |
| State background check only | $18.00 for Mail-In* / $38.00 for In-Person |
| State background check with Gold Seal | $19.00 for Mail-In* / $39.00 for In-Person |
| Attorney/Client civil | $18.00 for Mail-In* / $38.00 for In-Person |
| Attorney/Client pending criminal case | No fee |
| Criminal Justice full background | No fee |
| Criminal Justice state only | No fee |
Payment Methods:
- CJIS Storefront: Credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, Discover), checks. Cash and money orders are not accepted at the Central Repository but may be accepted at the Storefront.
- Private Providers and Government Operated Services: Payment methods may vary. Check with the specific provider.
Required Information for Fingerprinting:
To ensure fast and accurate service, you must provide the following:
- Agency Name and Authorization Number: If the background check is for employment or licensing purposes.
- Z – ORI Number: If the background check is being sent to a government agency.
- Valid Government-Issued Photo Identification.
- Livescan Pre-registration Application: It’s recommended to print and complete the Livescan Pre-registration Application and bring it with you.
- Payment: As per the fee schedule and accepted payment methods.
Conclusion
Obtaining live scan fingerprinting services for community care licensing in Maryland requires understanding the process, privacy implications, and available service locations. By being informed about the privacy statement, service options, fees, and required documentation, applicants can navigate the process efficiently and ensure compliance with licensing requirements. Whether choosing a CJIS-operated service, a private provider, or a government agency, ensure you are prepared with the necessary information and understand your rights concerning your personal data. This article aims to provide you with a solid foundation for requesting and understanding live scan fingerprinting services for community care licensing, emphasizing the importance of privacy and informed consent.
