Level ll Background Screening Requirements

1. Level ll Background Screening Requirements Information regarding Background Screening Requirements for Direct Service Providers Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

2. House Bill 943 (Chapter 2012-73, Laws of Florida) created the requirement of a Level ll Background Screening for providers serving individuals classified as part of the “vulnerable population”. Specific stipulations were mandated for VR as a result of HB 943. The rule for specific provider types to be screened was set forth as a condition of registration as a provider with six FL agencies. FL Law 2012: HB 943

3. The 6 Florida agencies specified in HB 943 What agencies does HB 943 apply to?

4. Level ll Background Screenings are required for the following “VR” provider types: INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES PROVIDERS Who does this apply to?

5. In addition to the provider types listed on the previous page, the following employees will also require a screening: 1. The ADMINISTRATOR (or similarly titled person) who is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the service provider. 2. The FINANCIAL OFFICER (or similarly titled person) who is responsible for the financial operation of the service provider. 3. The DIRECTOR of the service provider. Who does this apply to? When in doubt, ask Vendor Registration!

6. THE CLEARINGHOUSE The “Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse” ( The Clearinghouse) was created in order to provide a single data source for background screening results of persons required by law to be screened for employment in positions providing services to children, the elderly or the disabled. The Clearinghouse will allow the results of criminal history checks to be shared among specified agencies when a person has applied as a volunteer, employee, or to enter into a contract to provide services for a position requiring a state and national fingerprint based criminal check. What is the “Clearinghouse” ?

7. Reduced cost by eliminating duplicate screenings of employees who have been screened by another agency • Up-To-Date Information • Real-Time notifications of employee arrests • Liability risks reduced Benefits of The Clearinghouse Benefits of The Clearinghouse

8. Submit your application with supporting documents to the VReg office. 2) Once preliminary approval is complete, VReg will contact you with instructions on registering in the Clearinghouse and obtaining your background screening. 3) VReg will notify you if any additional information is required or when the process is complete. 4)Your registration will remain in “pending” status until your screening is complete. THE PROCESS

9. Some providers may be eligible to submit the Affidavit of Compliance with Background Screening Requirements in order to avoid re-screening. THE PROVIDER MUST MEET ALL OF THE AFFIDAVIT’S REQUIREMENTS. Requirements By meeting all requirements of the affidavit and submitting it with the eligibility determination from the agency in which you were previously screened, you may be exempt from the need to be rescreened for 5 years from the date the original screening was completed. See the affidavitfor more details. Level ll screening done in the last 5 years with one of the 6 authorized agencies.(see slide 3) No break in service from a position requiring a Level ll Screening for more then 90 days. Eligibility results from the agency which completed the screening included with the affidavit. If you do not meet ALL requirements of the affidavit, you will need to register in the Clearinghouse when you have been pre-approved and VReg sends you Clearinghouse instructions. Affidavit of Compliance with Background Screening Requirements No new arrests/charges have occurred since the screening.

10. Continue to check www.rehabworks.org for updated information as it becomes available. Contact the Vendor Registration office: vrbackgroundchecks@vr.fldoe.org 850-245-3401 QUESTIONS?