Live Scan is the standard for background checks in many sectors, and home care services are no exception. This electronic fingerprinting technology streamlines the process of verifying individuals who will be providing care in homes, ensuring safety and security for clients. Understanding the Live Scan application process and associated fees is crucial for both caregivers and organizations in the home care industry.
Electronic fingerprinting has modernized the traditional ink-based method. Instead of rolling ink onto fingerprint cards, Live Scan uses an inkless process to digitally capture fingerprints. This data, along with necessary personal information, is then securely and instantly transmitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ). For home care services, after the DOJ processes the fingerprints, the background check results are electronically sent to the Care Provider Management Branch (CPMB) of the Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD).
The DOJ mandates electronic transmission for criminal record checks. Submissions via hard copy Applicant Fingerprint Cards (FD258) are generally not accepted and will be returned for electronic submission. While exemptions for electronic submission may be requested in specific hardship cases, this is a lengthy process and should be reserved for exceptional circumstances.
For those involved in home care organizations or as home care aides, initiating the Live Scan process requires the Request for Live Scan form, known as LIC 9163. While this form can be obtained from local Community Care Licensing Division offices, Home Care Organizations and Home Care Aides can get a hard copy Live Scan Submission form directly from the Home Care Services Branch. It’s important to note that individuals solely associated with Home Care Organizations or the Home Care Aide Registry do not require a Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) check.
A critical point to remember is the necessity of using the specific Live Scan form provided by the potential employer, licensee, or provider. These forms contain pre-filled agency-specific information that is essential for proper processing. Using any other form will likely lead to delays or rejection of the Live Scan submission.
At the designated Live Scan site, operators will inform individuals about the fees involved. These charges cover the electronic transmission of fingerprints and encompass all required services from the DOJ, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the CACI check, if applicable. After fingerprint capture and information recording, the data is electronically sent to the DOJ for processing. Upon completion, the DOJ forwards the fingerprint check results to the CPMB.
Understanding the estimated processing times is also important. For individuals without a criminal history, the typical turnaround times from the date of fingerprint submission to the DOJ are:
- Live Scan Fingerprints (DOJ): Approximately 3 days
- Fingerprints (FBI): Approximately 5 days
- Child Abuse Central Index check: 4-6 weeks
It’s important to be aware that these timeframes can significantly extend if an applicant has a criminal history or if the initial fingerprint/Live Scan transmittal is rejected by the Department of Justice. Therefore, ensuring accuracy and completeness during the Live Scan process is crucial for timely results and smooth onboarding into home care service roles.
