Updates on DHS Background Studies

Posted on June 30, 2022 by LeadingAge

As we have shared earlier, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) website now confirms the extension of the July 2 deadline by which employees with emergency background studies must clear fingerprint-based studies until the end of the year. Individuals who received emergency studies must have a fully compliant study by Dec. 31 to continue working after that date. Information about emergency studies and ongoing updates about the transition from emergency studies to full compliance.

DHS has also shared news and updates on other background studies issues:

Temporary Waiver of Direct Contact Supervision Requirement 

DHS has exercised its authority under state law and is temporarily waiving mandatory direct contact supervision requirements for new hires while their background studies are being processed. The waiver remains in effect until Jan. 1, 2023. The waiver does not apply to study types who have federal requirements related to supervision for specific programs or programs where state law prohibits working while a study is in process. Find additional information about the waiver and ineligible study types.

Fingerprinting and Photo Deadline Extended 

The timeline for background study subjects to be fingerprinted and photographed has been temporarily extended through Aug. 14. Study subjects will have 45 days to complete the fingerprint and photo requirements. Study subjects will have 45 days to complete the fingerprint and photo requirements. Study subjects with applications submitted on or after Aug. 15 will have 14 days to complete the fingerprint and photo requirements. 

Providers should note that the deadline for study subjects to complete the consent and disclosure process remains at 14 days. If it is not completed in 14 days, the study subject's application will close.

Increased Purchasing Options for Livescan Fingerprinting Devices 

DHS has amended its contract with IDEMIA, the statewide fingerprint and photo services vendor, to allow more private entities that are required to submit background studies into the NETStudy 2.0 system to purchase and use livescan fingerprinting devices. The change removes background study transaction volume and program criteria that had limited many providers from using the device purchasing option.

Providers interested in purchasing a livescan device can contact IDEMIA’s sales group directly at mt.insidesales@morpho.com for information and pricing.