Tag: Florida Department of Health

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AHCA Background Screening APD Background Screening Department of Health Background Screening Florida Department of Elderly Affairs Background Screening

Florida Department of Elder Affairs Background Screening Requirements Emergency Ruling

DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS


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.


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(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.


Rulemaking Authority 430.08, 435.01(2) FS. Law Implemented 430.0402, 435.01, 435.02, 435.03, 435.04, 435.06, 435.07 FS. History–New_11-1-10, Supersedes 58ER10-1.

 

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.

 

Sincerely,

IDENTICO LLC.

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AHCA Background Screening DCF Background Screening Department of Health Background Screening

Fingerprinting and Criminal History Check for Florida Medicaid Providers’ Enrollment

Criminal History Requirements

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 .