The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced a plan for moving from emergency background studies back to studies with fingerprints and photographs.

The plan calls for transitioning to fingerprint-based studies in stages for various provider types. Key target transition dates include:

• Oct. 6: The start date for DHS licensed and non-licensed providers to resume fingerprint-based studies for new hires, including adult day providers.
• Oct. 20: The start date for MDH licensed and non-licensed providers to resume fingerprint-based studies for new hires, including assisted living, home care, and nursing homes.
• Dec. 1: The start date to resubmit a fingerprint-based study for all individuals who have had only an emergency background study.

DHS notes that it is continuing to conduct emergency studies at this time, and providers do not need to take any action until they are notified.  However, once DHS instructs a provider type to return to fingerprint-based studies, that group will no longer be able to submit emergency studies.

The Department will work with providers after Dec. 1 as it begins to accept resubmissions for fully compliant studies for those with emergency studies. The emergency studies will remain valid until July 2, 2022.

As described in this FAQ, DHS has selected a new vendor (IDEMIA), which is finalizing processes to provide services for fingerprints and photographs. A map of fingerprinting locations is not yet available, but we expect to have that information soon.

We will provide additional information for members as it becomes available.  If you have questions, please contact Jonathan Lips, and we will work to gather answers from DHS.