The Licensing for Liquor and Tobacco trading in the State of Florida is highly regulated and controlled. Businesses must comply both with state and federal regulation on Liquor and Tobacco Product Distribution. There is created within the Department of Business and Professional Regulation the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, which shall supervise the conduct, management, and operation of the manufacturing, packaging, distribution, and sale within the state of all alcoholic beverages and shall enforce the provisions of the Beverage Law and the tobacco law and rules and regulations of the division in connection therewith. It is the express legislative intent that the state retains primary regulatory authority over the activities of licensees under the Beverage Law within the power of the state and the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
The Level 2 Background Screening for Florida Liquor License is required as part of F.S. 561.15 and F.S. 561.17
561.15 Licenses; qualifications required
(2) No license under the Beverage Law shall be issued to any person who has been convicted within the last past 5 years of any offense against the beverage laws of this state, the United States, or any other state; who has been convicted within the last past 5 years in this state or any other state or the United States of soliciting for prostitution, pandering, letting premises for prostitution, or keeping a disorderly place or of any criminal violation of chapter 893 or the controlled substance act of any other state or the Federal Government; or who has been convicted in the last past 15 years of any felony in this state or any other state or the United States; or to a corporation, any of the officers of which shall have been so convicted. The term “conviction” shall include an adjudication of guilt on a plea of guilty or nolo contendere or the forfeiture of a bond when charged with a crime.
561.17 License and registration applications; approved person
(1) Any person, before engaging in the business of manufacturing, bottling, distributing, selling, or in any way dealing in alcoholic beverages, shall file, with the district licensing personnel of the district of the division in which the place of business for which a license is sought is located, a sworn application in the format prescribed by the division. The applicant must be a legal or business entity, person, or persons and must include all persons, officers, shareholders, and directors of such legal or business entity that have a direct or indirect interest in the business seeking to be licensed under this part. However, the applicant does not include any person that derives revenue from the license solely through a contractual relationship with the licensee, the substance of which contractual relationship is not related to the control of the sale of alcoholic beverages. Before any application is approved, the division may require the applicant to file a set of fingerprints on regular United States Department of Justice forms for herself or himself and for any person or persons interested directly or indirectly with the applicant in the business for which the license is being sought, when required by the division. If the applicant or any person who is interested with the applicant either directly or indirectly in the business or who has a security interest in the license being sought or has a right to a percentage payment from the proceeds of the business, either by lease or otherwise, is not qualified, the division shall deny the application. However, any company regularly traded on a national securities exchange and not over the counter; any insurer, as defined in the Florida Insurance Code; or any bank or savings and loan association chartered by this state, another state, or the United States which has an interest, directly or indirectly, in an alcoholic beverage license is not required to obtain the division’s approval of its officers, directors, or stockholders or any change of such positions or interests. A shopping center with five or more stores, one or more of which has an alcoholic beverage license and is required under a lease common to all shopping center tenants to pay no more than 10 percent of the gross proceeds of the business holding the license to the shopping center, is not considered as having an interest, directly or indirectly, in the license.
(2) All applications for alcoholic beverage licenses for consumption on the premises shall be accompanied by a certificate of the Division of Hotels and Restaurants of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation or the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or the Department of Health or the county health department that the place of business wherein the business is to be conducted meets all of the sanitary requirements of the state.
As you see, the Liquor Licensing is regulated by Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. In order to get fingerprinted as part of your Alcoholic beverage manufacturer, bottler, distributor, seller licensing application please contact IDENTICO LLC today. We are FDLE approved Live Scan vendor, and we transmit your fingerprints for FBI Level 2 Background Check and DBPR will get the results of screening in as less as 72 hours. The cost of screening is $54.25. Visit our official website www.myidentico.com or call us today (954) 239-8590. We have an open door policy at our office located at 3948 Pembroke Road, Suite E, Pembroke Park, FL, 33021, however if you would like to schedule an appointment at certain time, please visit http://www.myidentico.com/hitappoint/ and we’ll serve you first regardless of any wait line.
Emergency Rule No.: RULE TITLE 58ER10-2: Background Screening Requirements.
SPECIFIC REASONS FOR FINDING AN IMMEDIATE DANGER TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY OR WELFARE:
The Florida Legislature passed Chapter 2010-114, Laws of Florida (L.O.F.), during the 2010 legislative session. This new law requires that effective August 1, 2010, all individuals seeking employment or volunteerism, which will require direct contact with individuals receiving services under the jurisdiction of the DOEA, must undergo a Level 2 background screening prior to employment or volunteerism. The Department is publishing this emergency rule to protect the health, safety and welfare of its recipients, thus eliminating the threat of immediate danger by reducing the potential for physical, mental or sexual abuse, or financial exploitation.
REASON FOR CONCLUDING THAT THE PROCEDURE IS FAIR UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES: This emergency rule establishes criteria for complying with Level 2 background screening requirements pursuant to Chapter 2010-114, L.O.F., and more specifically, pursuant to Sections 430.0402 and 435.01(2), F.S., the later section which provides rulemaking authority to individual agencies affected by the new background screening requirements. In addition, Section 430.08, F.S., provides the DOEA with rulemaking authority to establish rules to implement the provisions of Chapter 430, F.S. The DOEA has been unable to complete the rulemaking process. Consequently, the DOEA finds it necessary to publish this emergency rule to continue to protect the health, safety and welfare of recipients while continuing with the rulemaking process.
SUMMARY: This emergency rule establishes criteria and procedures for complying with the new requirement of a Level 2 background screening for all potential employees, who will have direct contact with Department recipients, prior to employment or volunteerism.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE EMERGENCY RULE IS: Jim Crochet, Department of Elder Affairs, Office of the General Counsel, 4040 Esplanade Way, Suite 315, Tallahassee, FL 32399-7000; telephone (850) 414-2113; Email address: crochethj@elderaffairs.org.
THE FULL TEXT OF THE EMERGENCY RULE IS: 58ER10-2 Background Screening Requirements. (1) DEFINITIONS. In addition to the term “direct service provider,” as defined in Section 430.0402(1)(b), F.S., the following definitions are included in this rule:
(a) “AHCA” means the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. (b) “APD” means the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities. (c) “CDC+” means the Consumer Directed Care Plus Program as described in Section 409.221, F.S. (d) “Disqualifying Offense” means any criminal offense prohibited in Section 430.0402 or 435.04, F.S. (e) “DOEA” or “Department” means the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. (f) “DOH” means the Florida Department of Health. (g) “FBI” means the Federal Bureau of Investigation. (h) “FDLE” means the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. (i) “Level 1 Screening” means an assessment of employment history checks, statewide criminal correspondence checks, local criminal history checks and a check of the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website coordinated through FDLE to determine whether screened individuals have any disqualifying offenses pursuant to Section 430.0402 or 435.04, F.S.
1 (j) “Level 2 Screening” means an assessment of the criminal history record obtained through a fingerprint search coordinated through FDLE and the FBI to determine whether screened individuals have any disqualifying offenses pursuant to Section 430.0402 or 435.04, F.S. (k) “Livescan” means both the technique and the technology used by law enforcement agencies and private facilities to capture fingerprints and palm prints electronically, without the need for the more traditional method of ink and paper.
(2) BACKGROUND SCREENING REQUIREMENTS. Pursuant to Section 430.0402(1)(a), F.S., Level 2 background screening consistent with the requirements of Chapter 435, F.S., is required for all direct service providers as defined in Section 430.0402(1)(b), F.S.
(3) IMPLEMENTATION AND RETENTION. Pursuant to Section 430.0402, F.S., beginning August 1, 2010, the following is required: (a) All newly-hired direct service providers shall be required to undergo a Level 2 background screening pursuant to Chapter 435 as a condition of employment or volunteerism and continued employment or volunteerism. Such screening shall ensure that a direct service provider has not been arrested awaiting final disposition of, has been found guilty of, regardless of adjudication, or entered a plea of nolo contendere or guilty to, or has been adjudicated delinquent and the record has not been sealed or expunged for, any offense prohibited under Sections 430.0402, 435.03 or 435.04, F.S., or a similar law of another jurisdiction.
(b) Employers of direct service providers, who have not been previously screened according to the screening standards of Chapter 435, F.S., must ensure that at least twenty percent (20%) of the available population of such individuals are screened pursuant to the Level 2 screening standards of Chapter 435, F.S., within 120 calendar days of August 1, 2010, and an additional twenty percent (20%) every 90 calendar days thereafter, until all direct service providers have successfully satisfied the screening standards of Section 430.0402, F.S., and Chapter 435, F.S., or have applied for and received an exemption pursuant to Section 435.07, F.S. Employers with fewer than 5 direct service providers must ensure that all such direct service providers are screened within the initial 120 calendar day window after August 1, 2010.
(c) Employers of direct service providers are responsible for ensuring applicant fingerprints are retained by FDLE in the Applicant Fingerprint Retention and Notification Program, whereby notification is automatically sent to the Department’s Background Screening Coordinator, according to the procedures specified in Section 943.05, F.S., in the event of a direct service provider’s subsequent arrest.
(d) Employers of direct service providers, who previously qualified for employment or volunteer work under Level 1 screening standards, and individuals required to be screened according to the Level 2 screening standards contained in Chapter 435, F.S., and Section 430.0402, F.S., shall be required to be rescreened every 5 years from the date of their last background screening or exemption, unless such individual’s fingerprints are continuously retained and monitored by FDLE in the Applicant Fingerprint Retention and Notification Program, according to the procedures specified in Section 943.05, F.S.
(4) EXCEPTIONS. The following are exceptions to the background screening requirements specified in this rule: (a) Physicians, nurses, or other professionals licensed by DOH are not subject to the background screening requirements of Chapter 435, F.S, if they are providing a service that is within the scope of their licensed practice. (b) Individuals qualified for employment by AHCA pursuant to that Agency’s background screening standards for licensure or employment contained in Section 408.809, F.S., are not subject to subsequent or additional Level 2 background screening pursuant to Chapter 435, F.S., or the unique screening requirements of Section 430.0402, F.S., by virtue of their employment as a direct service provider, if they are providing a service that is within the scope of their licensed practice.
(c) Individuals qualified for employment by APD pursuant to that Agency’s background screening standards contained in Section 393.0655, F.S., are not subject to subsequent or additional Level 2 background screening pursuant to Chapter 435, F.S., or the unique screening requirements of Section 430.0402, F.S., by virtue of their employment as a direct service provider as defined in Section 393.063(11), F.S.
(d) Back-up providers, who render services to consumers enrolled in the CDC+ program, are considered to be the same as full-time providers, as defined in Section 409.221(c)5., F.S. Consequently, they are not considered to be unemployed for more than 90 days pursuant to Section 409.221(4)(h)2.(i), F.S., if they have not been called to render back-up services for a period exceeding 90 days.
(5) ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF FINGERPRINTS. Beginning August 1, 2010, fingerprints submitted pursuant to Chapter 435, F.S., must be submitted electronically to FDLE, pursuant to paragraph (3)(c) of this rule.
(6) BACKGROUND SCREENERS. One of the entities listed in the subsections below may be utilized for Level 2 background screening as long as the entity verifies in writing to the employer that all background screeners performing electronic fingerprinting meet the requirements of Section 435.04(1)(c), F.S., and have been subject to, and passed, a Level 1 background screening under the standards set forth in Chapter 435, F.S.
(a) Any screening company listed on the FDLE website as authorized to perform Level 2 LiveScan background screenings. The website address is: http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Content/getdoc/04833e12-3fc6-4c03-9993-379244e0da50/livescan.aspx. (b) Any local law enforcement capable of performing Level 2 Livescan background screenings, provided the equipment and electronic fingerprint data submission have been evaluated by FDLE to verify compliance with both FDLE and FBI regulations and standards.
(7) SHARING OF SCREENING RESULTS. The information that a particular direct service provider has successfully passed a Level 2 background screening may be shared among DOEA programs and providers. In addition, passage of a Level 2 background screening for one program or provider shall constitute passage for all programs and providers. However, the use of a Level 2 background screening by a subsequent program or provider shall not affect the applicable date for rescreening pursuant to paragraph (3)(d) of this rule, if any. No information other than the fact that the applicant passed Level 2 screening may be shared.
THIS RULE TAKES EFFECT UPON BEING FILED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE UNLESS A LATER TIME AND DATE IS SPECIFIED IN THE RULE. EFFECTIVE DATE: November 1, 2010
In order to get fingerprinted as part of DOEA requirement for Direct Service Providers’ Background Screening please contact IDENTICO LLC today. We are FDLE approved Live Scan vendor, and we transmit your fingerprints for FBI Level 2 Background Check so DOEA gets the results of screening in as less as 72 hours. The cost of screening is $62. Visit our official website www.myidentico.com or call us today (954) 239-8590.
We have an open door policy at our office located at 3948 Pembroke Road, Suite E, Pembroke Park, FL, 33021, however if you would like to schedule an appointment at certain time, please visit http://www.myidentico.com/hitappoint/ and we’ll serve you first regardless of any wait line.
The Level 2 Background Screening for Florida Public Health Organizations in Florida is required by F.S. 468.
It is the intent of the Legislature that the Department of Health be responsible for the state’s public health system which shall be designed to promote, protect, and improve the health of all people in the state.
The background screening requirements for Public Health sector are specified at F.S. 381.60225
381.60225 Background screening.—
(1) Each applicant for certification must comply with the following requirements:
1(a) Upon receipt of a completed, signed, and dated application, the Agency for Health Care Administration shall require background screening, in accordance with the level 2 standards for screening set forth in chapter 435, of the managing employee, or other similarly titled individual responsible for the daily operation of the organization, agency, or entity, and financial officer, or other similarly titled individual who is responsible for the financial operation of the organization, agency, or entity, including billings for services. The applicant must comply with the procedures for level 2 background screening as set forth in chapter 435.
(b) The Agency for Health Care Administration may require background screening of any other individual who is an applicant if the Agency for Health Care Administration has probable cause to believe that he or she has been convicted of a crime or has committed any other offense prohibited under the level 2 standards for screening set forth in chapter 435.
(c) Proof of compliance with the level 2 background screening requirements of chapter 435 which has been submitted within the previous 5 years in compliance with any other health care licensure requirements of this state is acceptable in fulfillment of the requirements of paragraph (a).
(d) A provisional certification may be granted to the organization, agency, or entity when each individual required by this section to undergo background screening has met the standards for the Department of Law Enforcement background check, but the agency has not yet received background screening results from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or a request for a disqualification exemption has been submitted to the agency as set forth in chapter 435, but a response has not yet been issued. A standard certification may be granted to the organization, agency, or entity upon the agency’s receipt of a report of the results of the Federal Bureau of Investigation background screening for each individual required by this section to undergo background screening which confirms that all standards have been met, or upon the granting of a disqualification exemption by the agency as set forth in chapter 435. Any other person who is required to undergo level 2 background screening may serve in his or her capacity pending the agency’s receipt of the report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. However, the person may not continue to serve if the report indicates any violation of background screening standards and a disqualification exemption has not been requested of and granted by the agency as set forth in chapter 435.
(e) Each applicant must submit to the agency, with its application, a description and explanation of any exclusions, permanent suspensions, or terminations of the applicant from the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Proof of compliance with the requirements for disclosure of ownership and control interests under the Medicaid or Medicare programs shall be accepted in lieu of this submission.
(f) Each applicant must submit to the agency a description and explanation of any conviction of an offense prohibited under the level 2 standards of chapter 435 by a member of the board of directors of the applicant, its officers, or any individual owning 5 percent or more of the applicant. This requirement does not apply to a director of a not-for-profit corporation or organization if the director serves solely in a voluntary capacity for the corporation or organization, does not regularly take part in the day-to-day operational decisions of the corporation or organization, receives no remuneration for his or her services on the corporation or organization’s board of directors, and has no financial interest and has no family members with a financial interest in the corporation or organization, provided that the director and the not-for-profit corporation or organization include in the application a statement affirming that the director’s relationship to the corporation satisfies the requirements of this paragraph.
(g) The agency may not certify any organization, agency, or entity if any applicant or managing employee has been found guilty of, regardless of adjudication, or has entered a plea of nolo contendere or guilty to, any offense prohibited under the level 2 standards for screening set forth in chapter 435, unless an exemption from disqualification has been granted by the agency as set forth in chapter 435.
(h) The agency may deny or revoke certification of any organization, agency, or entity if the applicant:
1. Has falsely represented a material fact in the application required by paragraph (e) or paragraph (f), or has omitted any material fact from the application required by paragraph (e) or paragraph (f); or
2. Has had prior action taken against the applicant under the Medicaid or Medicare program as set forth in paragraph (e).
(i) An application for renewal of certification must contain the information required under paragraphs (e) and (f).
(2) An organ procurement organization, tissue bank, or eye bank certified by the Agency for Health Care Administration in accordance with ss. 765.541 and 765.542 is not subject to the requirements of this section if the entity has no direct patient care responsibilities and does not bill patients or insurers directly for services under the Medicare or Medicaid programs, or for privately insured services.
IDENTICO LLCis FDLE approved Live Scan vendor. We are capable to transmit your fingerprints for FBI Level 2 Background Check so DOH or AHCA gets the results of screening in as less as 72 hours. Visit our official websitewww.myidentico.com or call us today (954) 239-8590. We have an open door policy at our office located at 3948 Pembroke Road, Suite E, Pembroke Park, FL, 33021, however if you would like to schedule an appointment at certain time, please visit http://www.myidentico.com/hitappoint/and we’ll serve you first regardless of any wait line.
435.01 Applicability of this chapter; statutory references; rulemaking.
435.02 Definitions.
435.03 Level 1 screening standards.
435.04 Level 2 screening standards.
435.05 Requirements for covered employees and employers.
435.06 Exclusion from employment.
435.07 Exemptions from disqualification.
435.08 Payment for processing of fingerprints and state criminal records checks.
435.09 Confidentiality of personnel background check information.
435.10 Sharing of personnel information among employers.
435.11 Penalties.
1435.01 Applicability of this chapter; statutory references; rulemaking.—
(1)(a) Unless otherwise provided by law, whenever a background screening for employment or a background security check is required by law to be conducted pursuant to this chapter, the provisions of this chapter apply.
(b) Unless expressly provided otherwise, a reference in any section of the Florida Statutes to chapter 435 or to any section or sections or portion of a section of chapter 435 includes all subsequent amendments to chapter 435 or to the referenced section or sections or portions of a section. The purpose of this chapter is to facilitate uniform background screening and, to this end, a reference to this chapter, or to any section or subdivision within this chapter, constitutes a general reference under the doctrine of incorporation by reference.
(2) Agencies may adopt rules to administer this chapter.
History.—s. 47, ch. 95-228; s. 35, ch. 2010-114.
1Note.—Section 58, ch. 2010-114, provides that “[t]he changes made by this act are intended to be prospective in nature. It is not intended that persons who are employed or licensed on the effective date of this act be rescreened until such time as they are otherwise required to be rescreened pursuant to law, at which time they must meet the requirements for screening as set forth in this act.”
1435.02 Definitions.—For the purposes of this chapter, the term:
(1) “Agency” means any state, county, or municipal agency that grants licenses or registration permitting the operation of an employer or is itself an employer or that otherwise facilitates the screening of employees pursuant to this chapter. If there is no state agency or the municipal or county agency chooses not to conduct employment screening, “agency” means the Department of Children and Family Services.
(2) “Employee” means any person required by law to be screened pursuant to this chapter.
(3) “Employer” means any person or entity required by law to conduct screening of employees pursuant to this chapter.
(4) “Employment” means any activity or service sought to be performed by an employee which requires the employee to be screened pursuant to this chapter.
(5) “Vulnerable person” means a minor as defined in s. 1.01 or a vulnerable adult as defined in s. 415.102.
History.—s. 47, ch. 95-228; s. 207, ch. 99-8; s. 36, ch. 2010-114.
1Note.—Section 58, ch. 2010-114, provides that “[t]he changes made by this act are intended to be prospective in nature. It is not intended that persons who are employed or licensed on the effective date of this act be rescreened until such time as they are otherwise required to be rescreened pursuant to law, at which time they must meet the requirements for screening as set forth in this act.”
1435.03 Level 1 screening standards.—
(1) All employees required by law to be screened pursuant to this section must undergo background screening as a condition of employment and continued employment which includes, but need not be limited to, employment history checks and statewide criminal correspondence checks through the Department of Law Enforcement, 2and a check of the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website, and may include local criminal records checks through local law enforcement agencies.
(2) Any person required by law to be screened pursuant to this section must not have an arrest awaiting final disposition, must not have been found guilty of, regardless of adjudication, or entered a plea of nolo contendere or guilty to, and must not have been adjudicated delinquent and the record has not been sealed or expunged for, any offense prohibited under s. 435.04(2) or similar law of another jurisdiction.
(3) The security background investigations under this section must ensure that no person subject to this section has been found guilty of, regardless of adjudication, or entered a plea of nolo contendere or guilty to, any offense that constitutes domestic violence as defined in s. 741.28, whether such act was committed in this state or in another jurisdiction.
History.—s. 47, ch. 95-228; s. 15, ch. 96-268; s. 21, ch. 96-322; s. 3, ch. 98-417; s. 87, ch. 2000-153; s. 45, ch. 2000-349; s. 62, ch. 2001-62; s. 50, ch. 2003-1; s. 4, ch. 2004-267; s. 3, ch. 2005-119; s. 89, ch. 2006-197; s. 61, ch. 2006-227; s. 109, ch. 2007-5; s. 16, ch. 2008-244; s. 37, ch. 2010-114.
1Note.—Section 58, ch. 2010-114, provides that “[t]he changes made by this act are intended to be prospective in nature. It is not intended that persons who are employed or licensed on the effective date of this act be rescreened until such time as they are otherwise required to be rescreened pursuant to law, at which time they must meet the requirements for screening as set forth in this act.”
2Note.—The word “and” was inserted by the editors.
1435.04 Level 2 screening standards.—
(1)(a) All employees required by law to be screened pursuant to this section must undergo security background investigations as a condition of employment and continued employment which includes, but need not be limited to, fingerprinting for statewide criminal history records checks through the Department of Law Enforcement, and national criminal history records checks through the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and may include local criminal records checks through local law enforcement agencies.
(b) Fingerprints submitted pursuant to this section on or after July 1, 2012, must be submitted electronically to the Department of Law Enforcement.
(c) An agency may contract with one or more vendors to perform all or part of the electronic fingerprinting pursuant to this section. Such contracts must ensure that the owners and personnel of the vendor performing the electronic fingerprinting are qualified and will ensure the integrity and security of all personal information.
(d) An agency may require by rule that fingerprints submitted pursuant to this section must be submitted electronically to the Department of Law Enforcement on a date earlier than July 1, 2012.
(2) The security background investigations under this section must ensure that no persons subject to the provisions of this section have been arrested for and are awaiting final disposition of, have been found guilty of, regardless of adjudication, or entered a plea of nolo contendere or guilty to, or have been adjudicated delinquent and the record has not been sealed or expunged for, any offense prohibited under any of the following provisions of state law or similar law of another jurisdiction:
(a) Section 393.135, relating to sexual misconduct with certain developmentally disabled clients and reporting of such sexual misconduct.
(b) Section 394.4593, relating to sexual misconduct with certain mental health patients and reporting of such sexual misconduct.
(c) Section 415.111, relating to adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation of aged persons or disabled adults.
(d) Section 782.04, relating to murder.
(e) Section 782.07, relating to manslaughter, aggravated manslaughter of an elderly person or disabled adult, or aggravated manslaughter of a child.
(f) Section 782.071, relating to vehicular homicide.
(g) Section 782.09, relating to killing of an unborn quick child by injury to the mother.
(h) Chapter 784, relating to assault, battery, and culpable negligence, if the offense was a felony.
(i) Section 784.011, relating to assault, if the victim of the offense was a minor.
(j) Section 784.03, relating to battery, if the victim of the offense was a minor.
(k) Section 787.01, relating to kidnapping.
(l) Section 787.02, relating to false imprisonment.
(m) Section 787.025, relating to luring or enticing a child.
(n) Section 787.04(2), relating to taking, enticing, or removing a child beyond the state limits with criminal intent pending custody proceedings.
(o) Section 787.04(3), relating to carrying a child beyond the state lines with criminal intent to avoid producing a child at a custody hearing or delivering the child to the designated person.
(p) Section 790.115(1), relating to exhibiting firearms or weapons within 1,000 feet of a school.
(q) Section 790.115(2)(b), relating to possessing an electric weapon or device, destructive device, or other weapon on school property.
(r) Section 794.011, relating to sexual battery.
(s) Former s. 794.041, relating to prohibited acts of persons in familial or custodial authority.
(t) Section 794.05, relating to unlawful sexual activity with certain minors.
(u) Chapter 796, relating to prostitution.
(v) Section 798.02, relating to lewd and lascivious behavior.
(w) Chapter 800, relating to lewdness and indecent exposure.
(x) Section 806.01, relating to arson.
(y) Section 810.02, relating to burglary.
(z) Section 810.14, relating to voyeurism, if the offense is a felony.
(aa) Section 810.145, relating to video voyeurism, if the offense is a felony.
(bb) Chapter 812, relating to theft, robbery, and related crimes, if the offense is a felony.
(cc) Section 817.563, relating to fraudulent sale of controlled substances, only if the offense was a felony.
(dd) Section 825.102, relating to abuse, aggravated abuse, or neglect of an elderly person or disabled adult.
(ee) Section 825.1025, relating to lewd or lascivious offenses committed upon or in the presence of an elderly person or disabled adult.
(ff) Section 825.103, relating to exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult, if the offense was a felony.
(gg) Section 826.04, relating to incest.
(hh) Section 827.03, relating to child abuse, aggravated child abuse, or neglect of a child.
(ii) Section 827.04, relating to contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a child.
(jj) Former s. 827.05, relating to negligent treatment of children.
(kk) Section 827.071, relating to sexual performance by a child.
(ll) Section 843.01, relating to resisting arrest with violence.
(mm) Section 843.025, relating to depriving a law enforcement, correctional, or correctional probation officer means of protection or communication.
(nn) Section 843.12, relating to aiding in an escape.
(oo) Section 843.13, relating to aiding in the escape of juvenile inmates in correctional institutions.
(pp) Chapter 847, relating to obscene literature.
(qq) Section 874.05(1), relating to encouraging or recruiting another to join a criminal gang.
(rr) Chapter 893, relating to drug abuse prevention and control, only if the offense was a felony or if any other person involved in the offense was a minor.
(ss) Section 916.1075, relating to sexual misconduct with certain forensic clients and reporting of such sexual misconduct.
(tt) Section 944.35(3), relating to inflicting cruel or inhuman treatment on an inmate resulting in great bodily harm.
(uu) Section 944.40, relating to escape.
(vv) Section 944.46, relating to harboring, concealing, or aiding an escaped prisoner.
(ww) Section 944.47, relating to introduction of contraband into a correctional facility.
(xx) Section 985.701, relating to sexual misconduct in juvenile justice programs.
(yy) Section 985.711, relating to contraband introduced into detention facilities.
(3) The security background investigations under this section must ensure that no person subject to this section has been found guilty of, regardless of adjudication, or entered a plea of nolo contendere or guilty to, any offense that constitutes domestic violence as defined in s. 741.28, whether such act was committed in this state or in another jurisdiction.
History.—s. 47, ch. 95-228; s. 16, ch. 96-268; s. 22, ch. 96-322; s. 4, ch. 98-417; s. 5, ch. 99-284; s. 88, ch. 2000-153; s. 7, ch. 2001-125; s. 5, ch. 2004-267; s. 4, ch. 2005-119; s. 111, ch. 2006-120; s. 90, ch. 2006-197; s. 110, ch. 2007-5; s. 3, ch. 2007-112; s. 66, ch. 2009-223; s. 6, ch. 2010-31; s. 38, ch. 2010-114.
1Note.—Section 58, ch. 2010-114, provides that “[t]he changes made by this act are intended to be prospective in nature. It is not intended that persons who are employed or licensed on the effective date of this act be rescreened until such time as they are otherwise required to be rescreened pursuant to law, at which time they must meet the requirements for screening as set forth in this act.”
1435.05 Requirements for covered employees and employers.—Except as otherwise provided by law, the following requirements apply to covered employees and employers:
(1)(a) Every person required by law to be screened pursuant to this chapter must submit a complete set of information necessary to conduct a screening under this chapter.
(b) For level 1 screening, the employer must submit the information necessary for screening to the Department of Law Enforcement within 5 working days after receiving it. The Department of Law Enforcement shall conduct a search of its records and respond to the employer or agency. The employer must inform the employee whether screening has revealed any disqualifying information.
(c) For level 2 screening, the employer or agency must submit the information necessary for screening to the Department of Law Enforcement within 5 working days after receiving it. The Department of Law Enforcement shall perform a criminal history record check of its records and request that the Federal Bureau of Investigation perform a national criminal history record check of its records for each employee for whom the request is made. The Department of Law Enforcement shall respond to the employer or agency, and the employer or agency must inform the employee whether screening has revealed disqualifying information.
(d) The person whose background is being checked must supply any missing criminal or other necessary information upon request to the requesting employer or agency within 30 days after receiving the request for the information.
(2) Every employee must attest, subject to penalty of perjury, to meeting the requirements for qualifying for employment pursuant to this chapter and agreeing to inform the employer immediately if arrested for any of the disqualifying offenses while employed by the employer.
(3) Each employer licensed or registered with an agency must conduct level 2 background screening and must submit to the agency annually or at the time of license renewal, under penalty of perjury, a signed affidavit attesting to compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
History.—s. 47, ch. 95-228; s. 208, ch. 99-8; s. 46, ch. 2000-349; s. 63, ch. 2001-62; s. 21, ch. 2004-267; s. 67, ch. 2009-223; s. 39, ch. 2010-114.
1Note.—Section 58, ch. 2010-114, provides that “[t]he changes made by this act are intended to be prospective in nature. It is not intended that persons who are employed or licensed on the effective date of this act be rescreened until such time as they are otherwise required to be rescreened pursuant to law, at which time they must meet the requirements for screening as set forth in this act.”
1435.06 Exclusion from employment.—
(1) If an employer or agency has reasonable cause to believe that grounds exist for the denial or termination of employment of any employee as a result of background screening, it shall notify the employee in writing, stating the specific record that indicates noncompliance with the standards in this chapter. It is the responsibility of the affected employee to contest his or her disqualification or to request exemption from disqualification. The only basis for contesting the disqualification is proof of mistaken identity.
(2)(a) An employer may not hire, select, or otherwise allow an employee to have contact with any vulnerable person that would place the employee in a role that requires background screening until the screening process is completed and demonstrates the absence of any grounds for the denial or termination of employment. If the screening process shows any grounds for the denial or termination of employment, the employer may not hire, select, or otherwise allow the employee to have contact with any vulnerable person that would place the employee in a role that requires background screening unless the employee is granted an exemption for the disqualification by the agency as provided under s. 435.07.
(b) If an employer becomes aware that an employee has been arrested for a disqualifying offense, the employer must remove the employee from contact with any vulnerable person that places the employee in a role that requires background screening until the arrest is resolved in a way that the employer determines that the employee is still eligible for employment under this chapter.
(c) The employer must terminate the employment of any of its personnel found to be in noncompliance with the minimum standards of this chapter or place the employee in a position for which background screening is not required unless the employee is granted an exemption from disqualification pursuant to s. 435.07.
(3) Any employee who refuses to cooperate in such screening or refuses to timely submit the information necessary to complete the screening, including fingerprints if required, must be disqualified for employment in such position or, if employed, must be dismissed.
(4) There is no unemployment compensation or other monetary liability on the part of, and no cause of action for damages against, an employer that, upon notice of a conviction or arrest for a disqualifying offense listed under this chapter, terminates the person against whom the report was issued or who was arrested, regardless of whether or not that person has filed for an exemption pursuant to this chapter.
History.—s. 47, ch. 95-228; s. 40, ch. 2010-114.
1Note.—Section 58, ch. 2010-114, provides that “[t]he changes made by this act are intended to be prospective in nature. It is not intended that persons who are employed or licensed on the effective date of this act be rescreened until such time as they are otherwise required to be rescreened pursuant to law, at which time they must meet the requirements for screening as set forth in this act.”
1435.07 Exemptions from disqualification.—Unless otherwise provided by law, the provisions of this section apply to exemptions from disqualification for disqualifying offenses revealed pursuant to background screenings required under this chapter, regardless of whether those disqualifying offenses are listed in this chapter or other laws.
(1) The head of the appropriate agency may grant to any employee otherwise disqualified from employment an exemption from disqualification for:
(a) Felonies for which at least 3 years have elapsed since the applicant for the exemption has completed or been lawfully released from confinement, supervision, or sanction for the disqualifying felony;
(b) Misdemeanors prohibited under any of the statutes cited in this chapter or under similar statutes of other jurisdictions for which the applicant for the exemption has completed or been lawfully released from confinement, supervision, or sanction;
(c) Offenses that were felonies when committed but that are now misdemeanors and for which the applicant for the exemption has completed or been lawfully released from confinement, supervision, or sanction; or
(d) Findings of delinquency. For offenses that would be felonies if committed by an adult and the record has not been sealed or expunged, the exemption may not be granted until at least 3 years have elapsed since the applicant for the exemption has completed or been lawfully released from confinement, supervision, or sanction for the disqualifying offense.
For the purposes of this subsection, the term “felonies” means both felonies prohibited under any of the statutes cited in this chapter or under similar statutes of other jurisdictions.
(2) Persons employed, or applicants for employment, by treatment providers who treat adolescents 13 years of age and older who are disqualified from employment solely because of crimes under s. 817.563, s. 893.13, or s. 893.147 may be exempted from disqualification from employment pursuant to this chapter without application of the waiting period in paragraph (1)(a).
(3)(a) In order for the head of an agency to grant an exemption to any employee, the employee must demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that the employee should not be disqualified from employment. Employees seeking an exemption have the burden of setting forth clear and convincing evidence of rehabilitation, including, but not limited to, the circumstances surrounding the criminal incident for which an exemption is sought, the time period that has elapsed since the incident, the nature of the harm caused to the victim, and the history of the employee since the incident, or any other evidence or circumstances indicating that the employee will not present a danger if employment or continued employment is allowed.
(b) The agency may consider as part of its deliberations of the employee’s rehabilitation the fact that the employee has, subsequent to the conviction for the disqualifying offense for which the exemption is being sought, been arrested for or convicted of another crime, even if that crime is not a disqualifying offense.
(c) The decision of the head of an agency regarding an exemption may be contested through the hearing procedures set forth in chapter 120. The standard of review by the administrative law judge is whether the agency’s intended action is an abuse of discretion.
(4)(a) Disqualification from employment under this chapter may not be removed from, nor may an exemption be granted to, any personnel who is found guilty of, regardless of adjudication, or who has entered a plea of nolo contendere or guilty to, any felony covered by s. 435.03 or s. 435.04 solely by reason of any pardon, executive clemency, or restoration of civil rights.
(b) Disqualification from employment under this chapter may not be removed from, nor may an exemption be granted to, any person who is a:
1. Sexual predator as designated pursuant to s. 775.21;
2. Career offender pursuant to s. 775.261; or
3. Sexual offender pursuant to s. 943.0435, unless the requirement to register as a sexual offender has been removed pursuant to s. 943.04354.
(5) Exemptions granted by one agency shall be considered by subsequent agencies, but are not binding on the subsequent agency.
History.—s. 47, ch. 95-228; s. 47, ch. 2000-349; s. 64, ch. 2001-62; s. 29, ch. 2004-267; s. 9, ch. 2005-128; s. 41, ch. 2010-114.
1Note.—Section 58, ch. 2010-114, provides that “[t]he changes made by this act are intended to be prospective in nature. It is not intended that persons who are employed or licensed on the effective date of this act be rescreened until such time as they are otherwise required to be rescreened pursuant to law, at which time they must meet the requirements for screening as set forth in this act.”
1435.08 Payment for processing of fingerprints and state criminal records checks.—The employer or the employee is responsible for paying the costs of screening. Payment shall be submitted to the Department of Law Enforcement with the request for screening. The appropriate agency is responsible for collecting and paying any fee related to fingerprints retained on its behalf to the Department of Law Enforcement for costs resulting from the fingerprint information retention services. The amount of the annual fee and procedures for the submission and retention of fingerprint information and for the dissemination of search results shall be established by rule of the Department of Law Enforcement.
History.—s. 47, ch. 95-228; s. 209, ch. 99-8; s. 48, ch. 2000-349; s. 42, ch. 2010-114.
1Note.—Section 58, ch. 2010-114, provides that “[t]he changes made by this act are intended to be prospective in nature. It is not intended that persons who are employed or licensed on the effective date of this act be rescreened until such time as they are otherwise required to be rescreened pursuant to law, at which time they must meet the requirements for screening as set forth in this act.”
435.09 Confidentiality of personnel background check information.—No criminal or juvenile information obtained under this section may be used for any purpose other than determining whether persons meet the minimum standards for employment or for an owner or director of a covered service provider. The criminal records and juvenile records obtained by the department or by an employer are exempt from s. 119.07(1).
History.—s. 47, ch. 95-228; s. 282, ch. 96-406; s. 49, ch. 2000-349.
435.10 Sharing of personnel information among employers.—Every employer of employees covered by this chapter shall furnish copies of personnel records for employees or former employees to any other employer requesting this information pursuant to this section. Information contained in the records may include, but is not limited to, disciplinary matters and any reason for termination. Any employer releasing such records pursuant to this chapter shall be considered to be acting in good faith and may not be held liable for information contained in such records, absent a showing that the employer maliciously falsified such records.
History.—s. 47, ch. 95-228.
435.11 Penalties.—
(1) It is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, for any person willfully, knowingly, or intentionally to:
(a) Fail, by false statement, misrepresentation, impersonation, or other fraudulent means, to disclose in any application for voluntary or paid employment a material fact used in making a determination as to such person’s qualifications for a position of special trust.
(b) Use records information for purposes other than screening for employment or release records information to other persons for purposes other than screening for employment.
(2) It is a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, for any person willfully, knowingly, or intentionally to use juvenile records information for any purposes other than specified in this section or to release such information to other persons for purposes other than specified in this section.
Criminal history checks are required for both enrolling and re-enrolling Medicaid providers. The following individuals in each provider organization are required to have criminal history checks:
All partners or shareholders with an ownership interest of five percent or more; All officers (this includes the president, vice president, etc.); All directors (this is the board of directors); Financial records custodian; All billing agents; All managing employees or affiliated persons, including pharmacy managers; All individuals authorized to sign on the account used for electronic funds transfer.
If individuals belong to more than one of the above categories, they only require one criminal history check.
Fingerprint Cards Requirements
The criminal history check is conducted based on the applicants’ fingerprints. Applicants are required to submit a copy of their fingerprints on the fingerprint card included in the Florida Medicaid Provider Enrollment Application package.Providers may not use other types of fingerprint cards. Additional cards can be obtained from the fiscal agent or any area Medicaid office.
Payment for Criminal History Check
Provider applicants are required to submit a check made payable to the Agency for Health Care Administration for each fingerprint card submitted with the Enrollment Application.
Criminal History Check Process
The fiscal agent submits the fingerprint cards to FDLE. FDLE conducts a state criminal-background investigation that is called a Level 1 check. FDLE forwards the fingerprints to the FBI for a national criminal-history record check. This is called a Level 2 check.
Rejected Fingerprint Cards
Applicant fingerprint cards that are rejected by the FBI will be returned directly to Medicaid Contract Management. Rejected fingerprint cards will be accompanied by a United States Department of Justice Form 1-17 A, Rev 5-2-96, or Form 1-12, Rev 4-28-97, that lists the various reasons a fingerprint card may be rejected. If a fingerprint card is rejected, it will be necessary for the applicant to submit a new fingerprint card.
In order to preclude duplicate payments and to receive a complete FBI record, the applicant must submit the rejected fingerprint card along with a new fingerprint card to Medicaid. If the second card is rejected and returned by the FBI, additional payment will be required before a third submission. Failure to successfully submit a new fingerprint card may result in denial of a pending enrollment or termination of an active provider.
Exemption For Board Members
Board members of a not-for-profit corporation or organization are exempt from the criminal history check if they meet all of the following criteria: Serve solely in a voluntary capacity; Do not regularly take part in the day-to-day operational decisions of the corporation or organization; Receive no remuneration from the corporation or organization for their service on the board of directors; Have no financial interest in the corporation or organization; and Have no family members with financial interest in the corporation or organization.
To obtain the exemption, the corporation or organization must submit a NonProfit Organization Volunteer Board Member Affidavit for Exemption from Medicaid Criminal History Checks along with a list of the board members’ names and social security numbers. The Non-Profit Organization Volunteer Board Member Affidavit for Exemption from Medicaid Criminal History Checks is an attachment to the Florida Medicaid Provider Enrollment Application, AHCA Form 2200-0003, F.A.C.
Note: A Non-Profit Organization Volunteer Board Member Affidavit for Exemption from Medicaid Criminal History Checks may be obtained from the Medicaid fiscal agent by calling Provider Enrollment at 800-289-7799 and selecting Option 4 or by downloading the form from the Medicaid fiscal agent’s Web Portal at http://mymedicaid-florida.com. Click on Public Information for Providers, then on Provider Support, and then on Enrollment.
Exemption for Providers
The following providers are exempt from the criminal history check:
Hospitals licensed under Chapter 395, Florida Statutes. (This exemption does not apply to the physicians’ groups, laboratories, pharmacies, or other non-institutional providers that are not licensed under Chapter 395, but are owned by or affiliated with the hospital.)
Nursing facilities, hospices, assisted living facilities, and adult family care homes licensed under Chapter 400, Florida Statutes. (This exemption does not apply to the physicians’ groups, laboratories, pharmacies, durable medical equipment companies or other non-institutional providers not licensed under Chapter 400, but are owned by or affiliated with the nursing facilities, hospices and assisted living facilities.)
School districts. Units of local government. (This exemption does not apply to nongovernmental providers and entities that contract with the local government to provide Medicaid services. The contracted entities are responsible for the cost of the criminal history checks for all applicable staff and management.)
Any business that derives more than 50 percent of its revenue from the sale of goods to the final consumer AND either the business or its controlling parent is required to file a form 10-K or similar statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission OR the business has a net worth of $50 million or more. (This exception is designed primarily to exclude large pharmaceutical companies. The business must submit its annual report including audited financial statements or 10-K Form with the exemption request.)
To obtain the exemption, the provider must submit an FDLE Criminal History Check and Fingerprinting Exemption Request. The FDLE Criminal History Check and Fingerprinting Exemption Request is an attachment to the Florida Medicaid Provider Enrollment Application, AHCA Form 2200-0003, which is incorporated by reference in 59G-5.010, F.A.C.
Note: An Exemption Request form may be obtained from the Medicaid fiscal agent by calling Provider Enrollment at 800-289-7799 and selecting Option 4 or by downloading the form from the Medicaid fiscal agent’s Web Portal at http://mymedicaid-florida.com. Click on Public Information for Providers, then on Provider Support, and then on Enrollment.
Exemption for Government Entities with Previous Criminal History Checks
If a government agency or government-owned facility already obtains criminal history checks on its employees, Medicaid does not require another check if the following criteria are met: The government agency or government-owned facility submits documentation in the form of a letter or official form from the screening agency, which specifies the applicant’s name and dates of the FDLE and FBI criminal history checks; The previously completed criminal history check is no more than 12 months old as of the date of receipt of the application; and Medicaid reserves the right, on a case-by-case basis, to reject any criminal history check deemed questionable, or to require that a new criminal history check be completed and the appropriate fee submitted to cover payment required by FDLE. Criminal history check exemption policies for government agencies apply to hospital taxing districts, such as the North Broward Hospital District; state agencies, such as county health departments; and state university system facilities, such as the University of Florida, Shands Teaching Hospital.
Exemption for DCF License
Criminal history checks are not required for medical foster care or private transportation providers who have a Florida Department of Children and Families license.
Exemption for Physicians, RNs and ARNPs
Criminal history checks are not required for physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, registered nurses, and advanced registered nurse practitioners who are currently licensed through the Florida Department of Health (DOH). If an Alabama or Georgia provider is designated as an in-state provider and has a current Florida DOH license, then a criminal history check is not required. However, if the provider does not have a valid Florida DOH license; then a fingerprint card and a criminal history check is required.
Criminal History Check by Other Agencies
Medicaid accepts criminal history checks conducted by other Florida agencies or departments that have been completed within 12 months of receipt of the application. The provider must submit a letter or official form from the agency that conducted the criminal history check with the Enrollment Application. The letter or form must specify the applicant’s name, Social Security Number, date the criminal history check was completed, the level of the screening and the results. Medicaid Provider Enrollment will review the information and approve or deny the application.
At this time Florida Medicaid Provider Enrollment is managed by third party vendor -HP. The submission of fingerprints for Medicaid Provider Services Level 2 Background Check is allowed by two methods. IDENTICO LLC– is FDLE approved live scan vendor provides physicians’ groups, laboratories, pharmacies and other non-institutional providers that are not licensed under Chapter 395, but are owned by or affiliated with the hospital, with solutions to comply with fingerprinting and background screening requirements of Medicaid Enrollment.
a) We can collect and submit fingerprints electronically on our Live Scan Equipment, at your location or ours. This way fingerprint cards are not required, we provide all necessary prove of individuals transaction records, including the TCN numbers. The cost of such screening is $54.25/person, you don’t have to send $43.25 check to AHCA, and this fee is included in our rate. Traveling fees may apply for mobile fingerprinting appointments.
b) We can capture fingerprints old fashion way on hard-copy fingerprint card. The client has to provide us specifically pre-printed cards made exclusively for Medicaid Provider Services. Such fingerprint cards can be requested from Medicaid Enrollment. The fee is $15/card, you would have to attach $43.25 fee payable to AHCA along with your enrollment application and the card. Traveling fees may apply for mobile fingerprinting appointments. Hard copy method is recommended for individuals with poor quality fingerprints, such prints have a high change to be denied by FBI as illegible.
Please contact us for more information. Visit our official website www.myidentico.com or call us today (954) 239-8590. We have an open door policy at our office located at 3948 Pembroke Road, Suite E, Pembroke Park, FL, 33021, however if you would like to schedule an appointment at certain time, please visit http://www.myidentico.com/hitappoint/ and we’ll serve you first regardless of any wait line.
Mobile unit appointments need to be scheduled by phone only .
There are approximately 15 federal laws that permit criminal background checks for civil (i.e., employment and licensing) purposes. Fingerprinting, either through electronic “live scans” or paper and ink “hard cards,” is required for all federal criminal background checks conducted for employment and licensing purposes.
Three of these laws permit nursing facilities to seek criminal background checks on employees and job applicants. Two of the three laws, as amended, authorize nursing facilities to seek FBI criminal background information regardless of whether the state where the facility is located has enacted its own law to permit access to state criminal background records. The third law authorizes nursing facilities to seek federal criminal background checks if the state where the facility is located has enacted a law to authorize access to state criminal background information.
Current procedures under all three federal laws require nursing facilities to channel requests for FBI criminal background information through a designated state agency.
Summaries of each law’s major provisions, advantages and limitations follow.
I. Public Law 105-277 Section 124 of Pub. L. 105-277, enacted in 1998, enables nursing facilities (“NFs”) and home health care agencies (“HHAs”) to request fingerprint-based national criminal history checks by the FBI for employees or job applicants for positions involving direct patient care. The NF or HHA seeking the background check must contact the designated state agency to obtain fingerprint cards and then must send the completed cards along with additional information from the applicant back to the state agency for processing. The state agency then will check its own criminal history record information (CHRI) and will forward the fingerprint cards to the FBI for a check of the FBI records. If any CHRI is found by the state, FBI, or both, the designated state agency will forward it to the NF or HHA for its use in making an employment determination for the applicant.
Pub. L. 105-277 does not require states to enact implementing legislation before NFs and HHAs can request federal criminal background checks of employees or job applicants. This is intended to give all NFs and HHAs nationwide the ability to seek access to the CHRI retained by the FBI. The statute does not specify that a law enforcement agency must take the individual’s fingerprints, therefore it may be permissible for a private company to perform the actual fingerprinting.
II. National Child Protection Act of 1993 The National Child Protection Act of 1993, 42 U.S.C. § 5119a, was amended by the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, Pub. L. 103-322 § 320928, to allow for federal criminal background checks of individuals who work for, own, or operate a business that provides care to the elderly or individuals with disabilities, as well as those who are responsible for the safety and well-being of children. This statute was amended again in 1998 by the Volunteers for Children Act, Pub. L. 105-251 § 222, to allow for federal criminal background checks even when the state does not have an authorizing statute or regulations.
Under this law, “qualified entities” (as designated by the state) may request federal criminal background checks of a “provider” pursuant to specified guidelines. If a state has a statute or regulations that require qualified entities to request such federal background checks, the state procedures must be followed in addition to the federal guidelines. A “qualified entity” is defined as a business or organization, whether public, private, for-profit, not-for-profit, or voluntary that provides (or licenses or certifies others to provide) care or care placement services to children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities. A “provider” is defined as any person who: is an employee, an applicant for employment, or a volunteer for a qualified entity; is an owner or operator of a qualified entity; or has or may have unsupervised access to a child to whom the qualified entity provides child care. Thus, under this statute, federal criminal background checks may be obtained for owners, operators, employees, volunteers, and job applicants of entities that provide health care services to children, the elderly or disabled. It should be noted that as long as the entity is “qualified,” all of its employees and volunteers are amenable to backgrounding.
Therefore, the scope of employees and/or job applicants for whom criminal background checks can be sought is broader than under Pub. L. 105-277. Under both statutes, the health care employer submits the applicant’s fingerprints and identification information to the designated state agency for processing. However, the NCPA, as amended, requires that the state agency make the determination of the applicant’s fitness for the job, not the employer. Both statutes allow for federal criminal background checks in the absence of state implementing legislation.
III. Public Law 92-544 Passed by Congress in 1972, Pub. L. 92-544 is an appropriations statute that provides funding to the FBI for acquiring, collecting, classifying, preserving, and exchanging identification records with duly authorized officials of the federal government, the states,cities, and other institutions. Under this federal law, health care employers have the ability to obtain federal criminal background checks of employees and job applicants, under certain conditions. First, there must be a state law authorizing health care employers to request such background checks from state and local government officials. Second, the authorizing state statute must be approved by the Attorney General of the United States.
Regulations implementing this law give the Director of the FBI the power and authority of the Attorney General to approve and conduct exchanges of identification records with officials of state and local governments for employment and licensing purposes if authorized by a state statute that has met the approval of the Attorney General. See 28 C.F.R. § 0.85(j). Pub. L. 92-544 and its implementing regulation do not provide guidelines for obtaining federal criminal background checks. Presumably, such guidelines or procedures would be established under the enabling (or other) state statute.
The FBI, consistent with several legal opinions from the U.S. Department of Justice, has established the mandatory elements of a state statute enacted under the auspices of Pub. L. 92-544. The state statute must:
(1) Exist as a result of a legislative enactment; (2) Require that the criminal background check be fingerprint-based; (3) Authorize the submission of fingerprints to the State Identification Bureau for forwarding to the FBI for a national criminal history check; (4) Identify the categories of licensees amenable to backgrounding; and (5) Provide that an authorized government agency be the recipient of the results of the record check.
Pub. L. 92-544 does not allow federal criminal records to be shared directly with health care employers. Like the NCPA, as amended, Pub. L. 92-544 requires that the state agency make the determination of the applicant’s fitness for the job, not the employer.
Public Law 105-277
The steps for conducting a background check include: (1) The NF or HHA contacts the state Control Terminal Officer (“CTO”) and/or State Identification Bureau (“SIB”) to request fingerprint cards (which bear a state-of-origin number for tracking purposes); (2) The NF or HHA gives the fingerprint cards to the applicant; (3) The applicant goes to the local police department or sheriff’s office to get fingerprinted, which involves: (a) Providing his/her name, address, and date of birth as they appear on a government document (e.g., a driver’s license); (b) Certifying that he/she has not been convicted of a crime and is not under indictment for a crime, or describing the crime and facts involved; and (c) Having his/her fingerprints “rolled” onto the fingerprint cards; (4) The applicant returns the fingerprint cards and supporting information to the NF or HHA; (5) The NF or HHA sends the fingerprint cards, supporting information, and FBI fee (currently $24) to the state agency (e.g., CFO, SIB) or other agency designated by the Attorney General no more than 7 business days after the fingerprints were taken; (6) The FBI conducts a check of its criminal history records (which include records of serious state offenses) and provides the results of the search to the submitting state agency; (7) The state agency receives the federal results from the FBI and forwards them with the state results to the NF or HHA; and (8) The NF or HHA makes the determination whether the applicant has a criminal record which would adversely affect the employment decision. In other words, the facility does not get a yes/no answer on whether to hire the individual. The statute provides immunity to the NF or HHA for making this determination based on incomplete or inaccurate information. *Note: the local law enforcement agency and state agency may charge separate fees. Although the statute is silent as to additional fees, the FBI has concluded that such fingerprinting and processing fees are not limited by federal law.
National Child Protection Act of 1993
The steps for conducting a background check include: (1) The NF or HHA must seek and obtain from the appropriate state agency “qualified entity” status under 42 U.S.C. § 5119(a)(1). (2) The qualified entity obtains from the provider (i.e., employee or applicant): (1) Fingerprints (presumably taken at a local law enforcement agency or by a private company); (a) A signed statement to the qualified entity that: (1) Contains the name, address, and date of birth of the provider as it appears on a valid I.D.; (i) The provider has not been convicted and is not under pending indictment for a crime, or a description of the crime and conviction must be given; (ii) Notifies the provider that the qualified entity may request a background check; (iii) Notifies the provider of the provider’s rights to: obtain a copy of any background check report, challenge the accuracy and completeness of any information contained in any report, and obtain a prompt decision on that challenge before a final determination is made by the state agency; and (iv) Notifies the provider that before the background check is complete, the qualified entity may restrict the provider’s access to a person to whom the qualified entity provides care; (3) The qualified entity submits the background check request, provider’s finger-prints and supporting documentation to the state agency designated to report, receive, or disseminate background check information (an “authorized agency”); (4) The authorized agency will review state records and also transmit the fingerprints to the FBI for a national check (which will be returned to the state). The state will make a reasonable effort to provide a consolidated response to the request within 15 days; (5) The authorized agency makes a determination whether the provider has been convicted of, or is under indictment for, a crime that bears upon the provider’s fitness to be responsible for the safety and well-being of children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities, and conveys that determination to the qualified entity. The qualified entity then notifies the provider of the determination.
We have elected to post this information for your consideration, just to outline that Florida House Bill 7069 effective August 1,2010 regarding Level 2 background screening standards for AHCA, DCF, APD, DOH and DOEA was just a one step above made by Florida legislators to match Public Law 92-544. The primary reason is to increase the quality and security level of services provided to our elderly, minor, disabled and vulnerable population.
If the Nursing or Health Care facility where you work or manage is located in Miami, Broward, Palm Beach or Martin counties, please call IDENTICO LLC today, for in office or mobile live scan fingerprinting appointment. IDENTICO is FDLE approved Live Scan vendor, and we use electronic fingerprinting solutions in transmitting your fingerprints for FBI Level 2 Background Check and regulatory state agency will get the results of screening in as less as 72 hours.
Visit our official website www.myidentico.com or call us today (954) 239-8590. We have an open door policy at our office located at 3948 Pembroke Road, Suite E, Pembroke Park, FL, 33021, however if you would like to schedule an appointment at certain time, please visit http://www.myidentico.com/hitappoint/ and we’ll serve you first regardless of any wait line.
Section 465.022, Florida Statutes requires the pharmacy permit applicant to submit fingerprints as outlined below.
An application for a pharmacy permit must include a set of fingerprints from each person having an ownership interest of 5 percent or greater and from any person who, directly or indirectly, manages, oversees, or controls the operation of the applicant, including officers and members of the board of directors of an applicant that is a corporation.
For corporations having more than $100 million of business taxable assets in this state, in lieu of these fingerprint requirements, the department shall require the prescription department manager or consultant pharmacist of record who will be directly involved in the management and operation of the pharmacy to submit a set of fingerprints.
A representative of a corporation described above satisfies the requirement to submit a set of his or her fingerprints if the fingerprints are on file with the department or the Agency for Health Care Administration, and are available to the department. If your corporation is exempt only the prints of the prescription department manager is required. If the prescription department manager prints are on file with DOH or AHCA and they were submitted after January 1, 2011 they will not have to be resubmitted. The manager must provide proof of them being on file.
IDENTICO LLC– FDLE approved live scan vendor can help. Visit our office located at 3948 Pembroke Road, Suite E, Pembroke Park, FL, 33021 or call for Mobile Fingerprinting appointment anywhere in Miami, Broward or Palm Beach County. The ORI number for the pharmacy profession is EDOH4680Z, and we’ll submit your fingerprints electronically.With electronic fingerprinting, there is no ink or card. Your fingerprints are “rolled” across a glass plate and scanned. It is faster and cleaner than the traditional method. Electronic fingerprinting reduces the likelihood of illegible fingerprints and will reduce the overall application processing time. It takes only 5-10 minutes to complete the sets of legible prints. Have your IDs, know your social, have a payment of $80.00/applicant ready and let us handle the rest.
The DOH retrieves the fingerprint results from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement through a secure web site, however for a faster processing all following records shall be included into submission:
Full Name Individual’s Address Social Security Number (if the SSN is not included, the results will not appear on the Agency’s Results website) Date of Birth Race Sex Height Weight Pharmacy Name Pharmacy Address (address information should be separated by commas: street, city, state, zip)
FDLE will only retain the criminal results from applicants for a period of one year from the date the fingerprints were rolled. Applicants should submit their applications soon after submitting their fingerprints in order to afford themselves an opportunity to resolve any application deficiencies prior to the expiration of the criminal history results.
Call us today, and we’ll assist you to comply with requirement for community permittee to be re-permitted in order to dispense controlled substances listed in Schedule II and III on or after July 1, 2012.
The number to call is (954) 239-8590 or (888) 988-8969. We are open Monday to Thursday 9AM-5PM, Fridays 9AM-4PM, and Saturdays 9AM-12PM. Visit our official website www.myidentico.com for more information.
