Guidebook
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Authorization form | Background Check Results | Background Disclosure | Definitions | Employment and Access Decisions | Fingerprint-Based Background Checks | General Questions | Disclaimer | Purpose | WSP RapSheet (example) | Reading RapSheets | Request for Thumbprint | Washington State Patrol
General Questions
Will the Background Check Central Unit (BCCU) conduct a background check for anyone who requests it?
NO. DSHS is authorized by State law to conduct background checks only for programs, such as DSHS licensed authorized, or contracted service providers for vulnerable adults and children.
Who is required to have a background check?
Washington State has laws and regulations requiring background checks in a variety of settings. Generally, people who may have unsupervised access to children and/or vulnerable adults must have a background check. Call your DSHS contact person to find out if you are required to have a background check.
Must background checks be conducted through BCCU?
This depends on the requirements of the specific DSHS administration or program regulating or funding your activities. To ask about the requirements you must follow, call your DSHS contact person.
When should a background check be requested?
Call your DSHS contact person to ask about the requirements.
How often should a background check be conducted?
Check with your DSHS contact person about your program requirements for repeating a background check.
Where can the law or regulation requiring a background check be found?
RCW and WAC can be found on the Internet at http://access.wa.gov/. Call your DSHS contact person to request the RCW or WAC number.
If a different department of government conducts a background check, is another check required?
YES. The Office of Support Enforcement (OSE) and several other state agencies, such as the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) and Department of Licensing (DOL) conduct background checks under different state laws and regulations. Each law has different legal requirements for “passing” a check. State laws do not allow DSHS and other departments to share background check results.
Should background checks be conducted on family or friends who visit?
Call your DSHS contact person for your program requirements.
Should background checks be conducted on clients (vulnerable people)?
Federal regulations may prohibit conducting background checks as an additional test used to deny services to a client. Check with your DSHS contact person and your legal advisor.