Navigating the requirements for Community Care Licensing can seem complex, especially when it comes to background checks. One essential step in this process is obtaining a Live Scan, an electronic fingerprinting service mandated by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about requesting Live Scan services for your Community Care Licensing application, ensuring you understand each step and requirement.
What is Live Scan and Why is it Required for Community Care Licensing?
Live Scan is a digital fingerprinting technology that has replaced the traditional ink-and-roll method. Instead of using ink, your fingerprints are scanned electronically, and the images are securely transmitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ) within seconds. The DOJ then conducts a criminal background check and, if necessary, a Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) check. For Community Care Licensing, this electronic process is mandatory. The Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) requires Live Scan submissions to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals under care. This process helps to verify the background of applicants and providers, contributing to a secure environment within community care facilities and organizations.
Submitting fingerprints electronically via Live Scan is not just a matter of convenience; it’s a strict requirement. The DOJ exclusively accepts electronically transmitted fingerprint images for criminal record checks related to Community Care Licensing. If you were to submit fingerprints on a hard copy Applicant Fingerprint Card (FD258), they would be returned, causing delays in your application process. While exemptions for electronic submission exist for very specific, pre-approved hardship situations, these are rare and involve a lengthy process. Therefore, understanding and utilizing the Live Scan process correctly is crucial for a smooth and timely licensing application.
Obtaining the Request for Live Scan Form (LIC 9163)
To initiate the Live Scan process, you’ll need the correct Request for Live Scan form, specifically LIC 9163. This form is essential because it contains unique information pertinent to Community Care Licensing and your specific agency or employer. You cannot use a generic Live Scan form; it must be the one provided to you by your potential employer, licensee, or provider associated with your Community Care Licensing application.
You can obtain the LIC 9163 form in a couple of ways. Firstly, your prospective employer, the licensee, or the care provider you are associated with should provide you with this form. It is crucial to request it from them directly. Secondly, you can also obtain the LIC 9163 form directly from any local Community Care Licensing Division office. Having the correct, pre-filled form is vital because it automatically requests a Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) check if it is required for your specific licensing category. For those involved with Home Care Organizations or as Home Care Aides, a different process applies for obtaining the Live Scan Submission form. You can contact the Home Care Services Branch at (916) 657-3570 or email [email protected] to acquire the necessary form, noting that a CACI check is not always required in these specific cases. Always ensure you are using the form provided to you by the relevant licensing body or employer.
Live Scan Process: Step-by-Step
Once you have the correctly completed LIC 9163 form, the next step is to visit a certified Live Scan service provider location. It’s advisable to contact providers in advance to confirm their operating hours, fees, and appointment availability. While the CDSS provides a list of recently active Live Scan providers, this list is not exhaustive, and providers’ operational status can change. The Attorney General’s website also offers a tool to locate additional vendor locations near you.
At the Live Scan site, the operator will guide you through the fingerprinting process. They will inform you of all applicable charges, which typically cover the transmission of your fingerprints, DOJ processing fees, FBI processing fees, and, if required, the CACI check. After capturing your fingerprints and recording your necessary personal information from the LIC 9163 form, the operator will electronically transmit your data to the DOJ for processing. Your role is to ensure you provide accurate information and a legible Request for Live Scan form to the Live Scan operator. From this point, the process is handled electronically, streamlining the background check for your Community Care Licensing application.
Understanding Live Scan Fees
Be prepared for associated costs when you request Live Scan services. The fees cover several aspects of the background check process. Typically, you will be charged for the electronic transmission of your fingerprints and for the processing services provided by the DOJ and, in some cases, the FBI. If a Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) check is required for your type of Community Care License, this fee will also be included in the total cost.
It’s important to inquire about the exact charges when you contact a Live Scan provider to schedule your appointment. Fees can vary slightly between providers, but they generally encompass the same core service components. Understanding these costs upfront will help you budget accordingly for your Community Care Licensing application process. Refer to the Live Scan Fees document for a detailed breakdown of potential charges.
Processing Times for Live Scan Results
After your fingerprints are submitted via Live Scan, the DOJ processes the information and sends the results electronically to the Care Provider Management Branch (CPMB) of the Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD). The typical processing times can vary depending on the type of background check and individual circumstances.
If there is no criminal history associated with your fingerprints, you can generally expect the following processing timelines:
- Live Scan Fingerprints (DOJ): Approximately 3 days
- Fingerprints (FBI): Approximately 5 days
- Child Abuse Central Index check: 4-6 weeks
However, it’s crucial to understand that these are estimated timeframes under ideal circumstances. Processing times can be significantly longer if the applicant has a criminal history. Additionally, if there are any issues with the fingerprint submission or if the Live Scan transmittal is rejected by the Department of Justice for technical reasons, this will also extend the waiting period. Therefore, while the electronic Live Scan process is efficient, various factors can influence how quickly your background check results are returned to the CCLD. Plan ahead and submit your Live Scan request as early as possible in your Community Care Licensing application process to account for potential delays.
Additional Resources and Support
Navigating the Live Scan process for Community Care Licensing doesn’t have to be daunting. Several resources are available to assist you. The most important resource is the Request for Live Scan form LIC 9163 itself, which provides key instructions and information. You can access this form directly: LIC 9163.
For specific guidance related to Resource Family Approval, instructions are available for the Resource Family Approval Applicant Live Scan Request Form BCIA 8016. Furthermore, to understand the breakdown of costs associated with Live Scan services, you can refer to the Live Scan Fees document: Live Scan Fees.
For locating Live Scan service providers, utilize the Attorney General’s website, or consult the CDSS list of active providers for updated information. And remember, your potential employer or the Community Care Licensing Division itself are valuable resources for clarifying any questions and ensuring you complete the request for Live Scan services accurately for your Community Care Licensing needs.
[Imagine an image here of a person getting their fingerprints scanned on a Live Scan machine. Alt text: A person’s finger being scanned on a Live Scan machine for Community Care Licensing background check.]
By following these steps and utilizing the available resources, you can confidently navigate the request for Live Scan services and fulfill this critical requirement for your Community Care Licensing application. Remember to always use the correct form and clarify any uncertainties with your employer or the CCLD to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
