AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

ADSA > Professionals & Providers > Training > Initiative 1163 > Background Checks > Interim Result Letter

Implementing Initiative 1163 - Interim Result Letter

The purpose of the background check is to ensure a new LTC worker does not have anything in his or her background that disqualifies him or her from unsupervised access to vulnerable adults or children and therefore employment as a LTC worker.

* AFH providers: This includes new caregivers, entity representatives and resident managers in your AFH.

There are two result letters you will receive from BCCU. 

• The Interim Result letter is sent after the WA State Name and Date of Birth background check is completed. 
• The Final Result letter is sent after the fingerprint-based check is completed. 

At first glance, the letters appear similar.  Below are instructions for how to tell them apart and where to look for relevant information.  Instructions for what to do with the Interim Result Letter are very important and are included below.

BCCU Interim Result Letter

More about RESULTS

One of the following three possible BCCU results will be listed.  

1. No Record found.
   What you will see:
   " No record of criminal convictions, pending charges or negative actions"
   

   WHAT THIS MEANS: This means nothing was found in that portion of the WA State Name and Date of Birth background check that was completed.   The worker is QUALIFIED in this part of the background check process.  The LTC worker can be provisionally hired for 120 days pending the outcome of the fingerprint-based check.
   ACTION YOU MUST TAKE: Proceed immediately to completing the fingerprint portion of the background check.

2. Record(s) and/or negative actions* were found on the Secretary’s List. 
   What you will see:
   "A. A criminal conviction or pending criminal charge that is on the Department Secretary's List of Crimes and Negative Actions;
                                      OR
   B. A negative action that is on the Department Secretary's List of Crimes and Negative Actions;
                                      OR
   C. Has and unknown conviction, pending charge or other action that requires more information from the applicant."
   
   

   * A negative action is a final finding of abuse, neglect, abandonment or exploitation of a vulnerable adult or child as reported by DSHS, DOH, APS, CPS, and the Resident Protection Program and other sources as available, after the person has had a right to due process.

   WHAT THIS MEANS: This means at least one record and/or negative action was found that is listed in the Secretary’s List of Crimes or Negative Actions during this portion of the background check.  Records and/or negative actions included in the Secretary’s list means the department has determined that this person is DISQUALIFIED from unsupervised access to a vulnerable adult or child.
   ACTION YOU TAKE: The LTC worker is disqualified and cannot be employed as a LTC worker. Document the results.
   

3. Record(s) were found but are NOT on the Secretary’s List.
   What you will see:
   
   "A. A criminal conviction or pending criminal charge;
                                      OR
   B. A negative action"
   

   WHAT THIS MEANS: This means a record and/or pending charges were found during this portion of the background check but they are NOT listed on the Secretary’s List of Crimes or Negative Actions.
   ACTION YOU TAKE: You are required to determine whether or not the individual is qualified to have unsupervised access to vulnerable adults or children.  This is done via a character, competence, and suitability review.
   
   If you determine that the LTC worker is:

   • Qualified - proceed to the fingerprint-based background check immediately.
   • Disqualified – document the results.  Do NOT complete the fingerprint portion of the background check.

Performing a Character, Competence, and Suitability (C/C/S) review

The purpose of the C/C/S review is for you to determine whether you believe the LTC worker is qualified to have unsupervised access to vulnerable adults or children.  You must document your decision to hire or not to hire the LTC worker once you complete the C/C/S review.

How you perform the C/C/S and how you choose to document the results of your review depends on the policies and procedures of your business and the requirements of your contract with the Area Agency on Aging.   Unless directed otherwise, you have the option of downloading and using the C/C/S review form for documentation.

When completing a C/C/S review, some important things to consider include:

• The relationship or potential relationship of the LTC worker’s criminal history to the vulnerable population that this LTC worker will be providing services/tasks to. 
• A review of what the pending crimes and convictions are, how many there are, when they occurred, clusters of criminal activities that may reflect alcohol or substance abuse, such as theft, prostitution, assault, DUIs, driving with license suspended or no insurance. 
• Additionally, look at what the LTC worker disclosed on their Background Authorization.  If they denied any pending crimes, convictions, or negative actions, and their results letter shows otherwise, this can be a part of the C/C/S decision

If you determine through the C/C/S the LTC worker is:

• NOT qualified:  Document your decision.  In this case, the LTC worker cannot be hired. Do NOT proceed with the fingerprint portion of the background check.
• Qualified:  Document your decision and proceed with the fingerprint-based background check.  The LTC worker must also qualify with results from the fingerprint-based background check  to remain  employed as a LTC worker.

Reminder:  The worker must get a copy of the Interim Result letter.  If the worker disagrees with the findings, he or she should be instructed to follow the instructions on the Interim Result letter to get more information.