BILL NUMBER: AB 2632 AMENDED
BILL TEXT
AMENDED IN SENATE AUGUST 5, 2014
AMENDED IN SENATE JUNE 18, 2014
AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY MAY 7, 2014
AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY MARCH 28, 2014
INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Maienschein
( Coauthors: Assembly Members
Melendez, Quirk-Silva, and Wieckowski
)
( Coauthor: Senator Gaines
)
FEBRUARY 21, 2014
An act to amend Sections 1522, 1568.09, 1569.17, and
1596.871, 1596.871 of the Health and Safety
Code, relating to care facilities.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 2632, as amended, Maienschein. Care facilities.
Under existing law, the State Department of Social Services
licenses and regulates, among other things, community care
facilities, foster family home or certified family home, residential
care facilities for persons with a chronic, life-threatening illness,
residential care facilities for the elderly, and child day cares.
Existing law requires the department, prior to issuing a license or
special permit to operate any of those facilities, to secure from an
appropriate law enforcement agency a criminal record to determine
whether the applicant or any other person, as specified, has been
convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation, or
arrested for certain crimes, or for any crime for which the
department cannot grant an exemption if the person was convicted and
the person has not been exonerated. Existing law requires an
individual to obtain either a criminal record clearance or a criminal
record exemption from the department prior to his or her employment,
residence, or initial presence in those facilities listed above.
Existing law prohibits the department from using a record of arrest
to deny, revoke, or terminate any application, license, employment,
or residence unless the department investigates the incident and
secures evidence that is admissible in an administrative hearing to
establish conduct by the person that may pose a risk to the health
and safety of any person who is or may become a client.
This bill would prohibit the department, with regard to those
facilities, from issuing a criminal record clearance to a person who
has violated or who has been arrested for specified crimes
or for any crime for which the department is prohibited from
granting a criminal record exemption prior to the department's
completion of an investigation of the incident to establish conduct
by the person that may pose a risk to the health and safety of any
person who is or may become a client. This
The bill would also require the department, subsequent to
licensing but prior to a person's employment, residence, or initial
presence in a specified facility, to secure from an appropriate law
enforcement agency a criminal record to determine whether a person
not exempt from fingerprinting or other person, as specified, has
been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation,
arrested for certain crimes, or for any crime for which the
department cannot grant an exemption.
Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes.
State-mandated local program: no.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Section 1522 of the Health and
Safety Code is amended to read:
1522. The Legislature recognizes the need to generate timely and
accurate positive fingerprint identification of applicants as a
condition of issuing licenses, permits, or certificates of approval
for persons to operate or provide direct care services in a community
care facility, foster family home, or a certified family home of a
licensed foster family agency. Therefore, the Legislature supports
the use of the fingerprint live-scan technology, as identified in the
long-range plan of the Department of Justice for fully automating
the processing of fingerprints and other data by the year 1999,
otherwise known as the California Crime Information Intelligence
System (CAL-CII), to be used for applicant fingerprints. It is the
intent of the Legislature in enacting this section to require the
fingerprints of those individuals whose contact with community care
clients may pose a risk to the clients' health and safety. An
individual shall be required to obtain either a criminal record
clearance or a criminal record exemption from the State Department of
Social Services before his or her initial presence in a community
care facility.
(a) (1) Before and, as applicable, subsequent to issuing a license
or special permit to any person or persons to operate or manage a
community care facility, the State Department of Social Services
shall secure from an appropriate law enforcement agency a criminal
record to determine whether the applicant or any other person
specified in subdivision (b) has ever been convicted of a crime other
than a minor traffic violation or arrested for any crime specified
in Section 290 of the Penal Code, or for violating Section 245 or
273.5, of the Penal Code, subdivision (b) of Section 273a of the
Penal Code, or, prior to January 1, 1994, paragraph (2) of Section
273a of the Penal Code, or for any crime for which the department is
prohibited from granting a criminal record exemption pursuant to
subdivision (g).
(2) The criminal history information shall include the full
criminal record, if any, of those persons, and subsequent arrest
information pursuant to Section 11105.2 of the Penal Code.
(3) Except during the 2003-04 to the 2014-15 fiscal years,
inclusive, neither the Department of Justice nor the State Department
of Social Services may charge a fee for the fingerprinting of an
applicant for a license or special permit to operate a facility
providing nonmedical board, room, and care for six or less children
or for obtaining a criminal record of the applicant pursuant to this
section.
(4) The following shall apply to the criminal record information:
(A) If the State Department of Social Services finds that the
applicant, or any other person specified in subdivision (b), has been
convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation, the
application shall be denied, unless the director grants an exemption
pursuant to subdivision (g).
(B) If the State Department of Social Services finds that the
applicant, or any other person specified in subdivision (b), is
awaiting trial for a crime other than a minor traffic violation, the
State Department of Social Services may cease processing the criminal
record information until the conclusion of the trial.
(C) If no criminal record information has been recorded, the
Department of Justice shall provide the applicant and the State
Department of Social Services with a statement of that fact.
(D) If the State Department of Social Services finds after
licensure that the licensee, or any other person specified in
paragraph (1) of subdivision (b), has been convicted of a crime other
than a minor traffic violation, the license may be revoked, unless
the director grants an exemption pursuant to subdivision (g).
(E) An applicant and any other person specified in subdivision (b)
shall submit fingerprint images and related information to the
Department of Justice for the purpose of searching the criminal
records of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in addition to the
criminal records search required by this subdivision. If an applicant
and all other persons described in subdivision (b) meet all of the
conditions for licensure, except receipt of the Federal Bureau of
Investigation's criminal offender record information search response
for the applicant or any of the persons described in subdivision (b),
the department may issue a license if the applicant and each person
described in subdivision (b) has signed and submitted a statement
that he or she has never been convicted of a crime in the United
States, other than a traffic infraction, as prescribed in paragraph
(1) of subdivision (a) of Section 42001 of the Vehicle Code. If,
after licensure, the department determines that the licensee or any
other person specified in subdivision (b) has a criminal record, the
license may be revoked pursuant to Section 1550. The department may
also suspend the license pending an administrative hearing pursuant
to Section 1550.5.
(F) The State Department of Social Services shall develop
procedures to provide the individual's state and federal criminal
history information with the written notification of his or her
exemption denial or revocation based on the criminal record. Receipt
of the criminal history information shall be optional on the part of
the individual, as set forth in the agency's procedures. The
procedure shall protect the confidentiality and privacy of the
individual's record, and the criminal history information shall not
be made available to the employer.
(G) Notwithstanding any other law, the department is authorized to
provide an individual with a copy of his or her state or federal
level criminal offender record information search response as
provided to that department by the Department of Justice if the
department has denied a criminal background clearance based on this
information and the individual makes a written request to the
department for a copy specifying an address to which it is to be
sent. The state or federal level criminal offender record information
search response shall not be modified or altered from its form or
content as provided by the Department of Justice and shall be
provided to the address specified by the individual in his or her
written request. The department shall retain a copy of the individual'
s written request and the response and date provided.
(b) (1) In addition to the applicant, this section shall be
applicable to criminal record clearances and exemptions for the
following persons:
(A) Adults responsible for administration or direct supervision of
staff.
(B) Any person, other than a client, residing in the facility.
(C) Any person who provides client assistance in dressing,
grooming, bathing, or personal hygiene. Any nurse assistant or home
health aide meeting the requirements of Section 1338.5 or 1736.6,
respectively, who is not employed, retained, or contracted by the
licensee, and who has been certified or recertified on or after July
1, 1998, shall be deemed to meet the criminal record clearance
requirements of this section. A certified nurse assistant and
certified home health aide who will be providing client assistance
and who falls under this exemption shall provide one copy of his or
her current certification, prior to providing care, to the community
care facility. The facility shall maintain the copy of the
certification on file as long as care is being provided by the
certified nurse assistant or certified home health aide at the
facility. Nothing in this paragraph restricts the right of the
department to exclude a certified nurse assistant or certified home
health aide from a licensed community care facility pursuant to
Section 1558.
(D) Any staff person, volunteer, or employee who has contact with
the clients.
(E) If the applicant is a firm, partnership, association, or
corporation, the chief executive officer or other person serving in
like capacity.
(F) Additional officers of the governing body of the applicant, or
other persons with a financial interest in the applicant, as
determined necessary by the department by regulation. The criteria
used in the development of these regulations shall be based on the
person's capability to exercise substantial influence over the
operation of the facility.
(2) The following persons are exempt from the requirements
applicable under paragraph (1):
(A) A medical professional as defined in department regulations
who holds a valid license or certification from the person's
governing California medical care regulatory entity and who is not
employed, retained, or contracted by the licensee if all of the
following apply:
(i) The criminal record of the person has been cleared as a
condition of licensure or certification by the person's governing
California medical care regulatory entity.
(ii) The person is providing time-limited specialized clinical
care or services.
(iii) The person is providing care or services within the person's
scope of practice.
(iv) The person is not a community care facility licensee or an
employee of the facility.
(B) A third-party repair person or similar retained contractor if
all of the following apply:
(i) The person is hired for a defined, time-limited job.
(ii) The person is not left alone with clients.
(iii) When clients are present in the room in which the repair
person or contractor is working, a staff person who has a criminal
record clearance or exemption is also present.
(C) Employees of a licensed home health agency and other members
of licensed hospice interdisciplinary teams who have a contract with
a client or resident of the facility and are in the facility at the
request of that client or resident's legal decisionmaker. The
exemption does not apply to a person who is a community care facility
licensee or an employee of the facility.
(D) Clergy and other spiritual caregivers who are performing
services in common areas of the community care facility or who are
advising an individual client at the request of, or with the
permission of, the client or legal decisionmaker, are exempt from
fingerprint and criminal background check requirements imposed by
community care licensing. This exemption does not apply to a person
who is a community care licensee or employee of the facility.
(E) Members of fraternal, service, or similar organizations who
conduct group activities for clients if all of the following apply:
(i) Members are not left alone with clients.
(ii) Members do not transport clients off the facility premises.
(iii) The same organization does not conduct group activities for
clients more often than defined by the department's regulations.
(3) In addition to the exemptions in paragraph (2), the following
persons in foster family homes, certified family homes, and small
family homes are exempt from the requirements applicable under
paragraph (1):
(A) Adult friends and family of the licensed or certified foster
parent, who come into the home to visit for a length of time no
longer than defined by the department in regulations, provided that
the adult friends and family of the licensee are not left alone with
the foster children. However, the licensee, acting as a reasonable
and prudent parent, as defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of
Section 362.04 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, may allow his
or her adult friends and family to provide short-term care to the
foster child and act as an appropriate occasional short-term
babysitter for the child.
(B) Parents of a foster child's friend when the foster child is
visiting the friend's home and the friend, licensed or certified
foster parent, or both are also present. However, the licensee,
acting as a reasonable and prudent parent, may allow the parent of
the foster child's friend to act as an appropriate short-term
babysitter for the child without the friend being present.
(C) Individuals who are engaged by any licensed or certified
foster parent to provide short-term care to the child for periods not
to exceed 24 hours. Caregivers shall use a reasonable and prudent
parent standard in selecting appropriate individuals to act as
appropriate occasional short-term babysitters.
(4) In addition to the exemptions specified in paragraph (2), the
following persons in adult day care and adult day support centers are
exempt from the requirements applicable under paragraph (1):
(A) Unless contraindicated by the client's individualized program
plan (IPP) or needs and service plan, a spouse, significant other,
relative, or close friend of a client, or an attendant or a
facilitator for a client with a developmental disability if the
attendant or facilitator is not employed, retained, or contracted by
the licensee. This exemption applies only if the person is visiting
the client or providing direct care and supervision to the client.
(B) A volunteer if all of the following applies:
(i) The volunteer is supervised by the licensee or a facility
employee with a criminal record clearance or exemption.
(ii) The volunteer is never left alone with clients.
(iii) The volunteer does not provide any client assistance with
dressing, grooming, bathing, or personal hygiene other than washing
of hands.
(5) (A) In addition to the exemptions specified in paragraph (2),
the following persons in adult residential and social rehabilitation
facilities, unless contraindicated by the client's individualized
program plan (IPP) or needs and services plan, are exempt from the
requirements applicable under paragraph (1): a spouse, significant
other, relative, or close friend of a client, or an attendant or a
facilitator for a client with a developmental disability if the
attendant or facilitator is not employed, retained, or contracted by
the licensee. This exemption applies only if the person is visiting
the client or providing direct care and supervision to that client.
(B) Nothing in this subdivision shall prevent a licensee from
requiring a criminal record clearance of any individual exempt from
the requirements of this section, provided that the individual has
client contact.
(6) Any person similar to those described in this subdivision, as
defined by the department in regulations.
(c) (1) Subsequent to initial licensure, a person specified in
subdivision (b) who is not exempted from fingerprinting shall obtain
either a criminal record clearance or an exemption from
disqualification pursuant to subdivision (g) from the State
Department of Social Services prior to employment, residence, or
initial presence in the facility. A person specified in subdivision
(b) who is not exempt from fingerprinting shall be fingerprinted and
shall sign a declaration under penalty of perjury regarding any prior
criminal convictions. The licensee shall submit fingerprint images
and related information to the Department of Justice and the Federal
Bureau of Investigation, through the Department of Justice, for a
state and federal level criminal offender record information search,
or comply with paragraph (1) of subdivision (h). These fingerprint
images and related information shall be sent by electronic
transmission in a manner approved by the State Department of Social
Services and the Department of Justice for the purpose of obtaining a
permanent set of fingerprints, and shall be submitted to the
Department of Justice by the licensee. A licensee's failure to
prohibit the employment, residence, or initial presence of a person
specified in subdivision (b) who is not exempt from fingerprinting
and who has not received either a criminal record clearance or an
exemption from disqualification pursuant to subdivision (g) or to
comply with paragraph (1) of subdivision (h), as required in this
section, shall result in the citation of a deficiency and the
immediate assessment of civil penalties in the amount of one hundred
dollars ($100) per violation per day for a maximum of five days,
unless the violation is a second or subsequent violation within a
12-month period in which case the civil penalties shall be in the
amount of one hundred dollars ($100) per violation for a maximum of
30 days, and shall be grounds for disciplining the licensee pursuant
to Section 1550. The department may assess civil penalties for
continued violations as permitted by Section 1548. The fingerprint
images and related information shall then be submitted to the
Department of Justice for processing. Upon request of the licensee,
who shall enclose a self-addressed stamped postcard for this purpose,
the Department of Justice shall verify receipt of the fingerprints.
(2) Within 14 calendar days of the receipt of the fingerprint
images, the Department of Justice shall notify the State Department
of Social Services of the criminal record information, as provided
for in subdivision (a). If no criminal record information has been
recorded, the Department of Justice shall provide the licensee and
the State Department of Social Services with a statement of that fact
within 14 calendar days of receipt of the fingerprint images.
Documentation of the individual's clearance or exemption from
disqualification shall be maintained by the licensee and be available
for inspection. If new fingerprint images are required for
processing, the Department of Justice shall, within 14 calendar days
from the date of receipt of the fingerprints, notify the licensee
that the fingerprints were illegible, the Department of Justice shall
notify the State Department of Social Services, as required by
Section 1522.04, and shall also notify the licensee by mail, within
14 days of electronic transmission of the fingerprints to the
Department of Justice, if the person has no criminal history
recorded. A violation of the regulations adopted pursuant to Section
1522.04 shall result in the citation of a deficiency and an immediate
assessment of civil penalties in the amount of one hundred dollars
($100) per violation per day for a maximum of five days, unless the
violation is a second or subsequent violation within a 12-month
period in which case the civil penalties shall be in the amount of
one hundred dollars ($100) per violation for a maximum of 30 days,
and shall be grounds for disciplining the licensee pursuant to
Section 1550. The department may assess civil penalties for continued
violations as permitted by Section 1548.
(3) Except for persons specified in subdivision (b) who are exempt
from fingerprinting, the licensee shall endeavor to ascertain the
previous employment history of persons required to be fingerprinted.
If it is determined by the State Department of Social Services, on
the basis of the fingerprint images and related information submitted
to the Department of Justice, that subsequent to obtaining a
criminal record clearance or exemption from disqualification pursuant
to subdivision (g), the person has been convicted of, or is awaiting
trial for, a sex offense against a minor, or has been convicted for
an offense specified in Section 243.4, 273a, 273d, 273g, or 368 of
the Penal Code, or a felony, the State Department of Social Services
shall notify the licensee to act immediately to terminate the person'
s employment, remove the person from the community care facility, or
bar the person from entering the community care facility. The State
Department of Social Services may subsequently grant an exemption
from disqualification pursuant to subdivision (g). If the conviction
or arrest was for another crime, except a minor traffic violation,
the licensee shall, upon notification by the State Department of
Social Services, act immediately to either (A) terminate the person's
employment, remove the person from the community care facility, or
bar the person from entering the community care facility; or (B) seek
an exemption from disqualification pursuant to subdivision (g). The
State Department of Social Services shall determine if the person
shall be allowed to remain in the facility until a decision on the
exemption from disqualification is rendered. A licensee's failure to
comply with the department's prohibition of employment, contact with
clients, or presence in the facility as required by this paragraph
shall result in a citation of deficiency and an immediate assessment
of civil penalties in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100) per
violation per day and shall be grounds for disciplining the licensee
pursuant to Section 1550.
(4) The department may issue an exemption from disqualification on
its own motion pursuant to subdivision (g) if the person's criminal
history indicates that the person is of good character based on the
age, seriousness, and frequency of the conviction or convictions. The
department, in consultation with interested parties, shall develop
regulations to establish the criteria to grant an exemption from
disqualification pursuant to this paragraph.
(5) Concurrently with notifying the licensee pursuant to paragraph
(3), the department shall notify the affected individual of his or
her right to seek an exemption from disqualification pursuant to
subdivision (g). The individual may seek an exemption from
disqualification only if the licensee terminates the person's
employment or removes the person from the facility after receiving
notice from the department pursuant to paragraph (3).
(d) (1) Before and, as applicable, subsequent to issuing a license
or certificate of approval to any person or persons to operate a
foster family home or certified family home as described in Section
1506, the State Department of Social Services or other approving
authority shall secure California and Federal Bureau of Investigation
criminal history information to determine whether the applicant or
any person specified in subdivision (b) who is not exempt from
fingerprinting has ever been convicted of a crime other than a minor
traffic violation or arrested for any crime specified in subdivision
(c) of Section 290 of the Penal Code, for violating Section 245 or
273.5, subdivision (b) of Section 273a, or, prior to January 1, 1994,
paragraph (2) of Section 273a, of the Penal Code, or for any crime
for which the department is prohibited from granting a criminal
record exemption pursuant to subdivision (g). The State Department of
Social Services or other approving authority shall not issue a
license or certificate of approval to any foster family home or
certified family home applicant who has not obtained both a
California and Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal record
clearance or exemption from disqualification pursuant to subdivision
(g).
(2) The criminal history information shall include the full
criminal record, if any, of those persons.
(3) Neither the Department of Justice nor the State Department of
Social Services may charge a fee for the fingerprinting of an
applicant for a license, special permit, or certificate of approval
described in this subdivision. The record, if any, shall be taken
into consideration when evaluating a prospective applicant.
(4) The following shall apply to the criminal record
information:
(A) If the applicant or other persons specified in subdivision (b)
who are not exempt from fingerprinting have convictions that would
make the applicant's home unfit as a foster family home or a
certified family home, the license, special permit, certificate of
approval, or presence shall be denied.
(B) If the State Department of Social Services finds that the
applicant, or any person specified in subdivision (b) who is not
exempt from fingerprinting is awaiting trial for a crime other than a
minor traffic violation, the State Department of Social Services or
other approving authority may cease processing the criminal record
information until the conclusion of the trial.
(C) For purposes of this subdivision, a criminal record clearance
provided under Section 8712 of the Family Code may be used by the
department or other approving agency.
(D) To the same extent required for federal funding, an applicant
for a foster family home license or for certification as a family
home, and any other person specified in subdivision (b) who is not
exempt from fingerprinting, shall submit a set of fingerprint images
and related information to the Department of Justice and the Federal
Bureau of Investigation, through the Department of Justice, for a
state and federal level criminal offender record information search,
in addition to the criminal records search required by subdivision
(a).
(5) Any person specified in this subdivision shall, as a part of
the application, be fingerprinted and sign a declaration under
penalty of perjury regarding any prior criminal convictions or
arrests for any crime against a child, spousal or cohabitant abuse,
or any crime for which the department cannot grant an exemption if
the person was convicted and shall submit these fingerprints to the
licensing agency or other approving authority.
(6) (A) Subsequent to initial licensure or certification, a person
specified in subdivision (b) who is not exempt from fingerprinting
shall obtain both a California and Federal Bureau of Investigation
criminal record clearance, or an exemption from disqualification
pursuant to subdivision (g), prior to employment, residence, or
initial presence in the foster family or certified family home. A
foster family home licensee or foster family agency shall submit
fingerprint images and related information of persons specified in
subdivision (b) who are not exempt from fingerprinting to the
Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation,
through the Department of Justice, for a state and federal level
criminal offender record information search, or to comply with
paragraph (1) of subdivision (h). A foster family home licensee's or
a foster family agency's failure to either prohibit the employment,
residence, or initial presence of a person specified in subdivision
(b) who is not exempt from fingerprinting and who has not received
either a criminal record clearance or an exemption from
disqualification pursuant to subdivision (g), or comply with
paragraph (1) of subdivision (h), as required in this section, shall
result in a citation of a deficiency, and the immediate civil
penalties of one hundred dollars ($100) per violation per day for a
maximum of five days, unless the violation is a second or subsequent
violation within a 12-month period in which case the civil penalties
shall be in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100) per violation
for a maximum of 30 days, and shall be grounds for disciplining the
licensee pursuant to Section 1550. A violation of the regulation
adopted pursuant to Section 1522.04 shall result in the citation of a
deficiency and an immediate assessment of civil penalties in the
amount of one hundred dollars ($100) per violation per day for a
maximum of five days, unless the violation is a second or subsequent
violation within a 12-month period in which case the civil penalties
shall be in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100) per violation
for a maximum of 30 days, and shall be grounds for disciplining the
foster family home licensee or the foster family agency pursuant to
Section 1550. The State Department of Social Services may assess
penalties for continued violations, as permitted by Section 1548. The
fingerprint images shall then be submitted to the Department of
Justice for processing.
(B) Upon request of the licensee, who shall enclose a
self-addressed envelope for this purpose, the Department of Justice
shall verify receipt of the fingerprints. Within five working days of
the receipt of the criminal record or information regarding criminal
convictions from the Department of Justice, the department shall
notify the applicant of any criminal arrests or convictions. If no
arrests or convictions are recorded, the Department of Justice shall
provide the foster family home licensee or the foster family agency
with a statement of that fact concurrent with providing the
information to the State Department of Social Services.
(7) If the State Department of Social Services finds that the
applicant, or any other person specified in subdivision (b) who is
not exempt from fingerprinting, has been convicted of a crime other
than a minor traffic violation, the application or presence shall be
denied, unless the director grants an exemption from disqualification
pursuant to subdivision (g).
(8) If the State Department of Social Services finds after
licensure or the granting of the certificate of approval that the
licensee, certified foster parent, or any other person specified in
subdivision (b) who is not exempt from fingerprinting, has been
convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation, the
license or certificate of approval may be revoked by the department
or the foster family agency, whichever is applicable, unless the
director grants an exemption from disqualification pursuant to
subdivision (g). A licensee's failure to comply with the department's
prohibition of employment, contact with clients, or presence in the
facility as required by paragraph (3) of subdivision (c) shall be
grounds for disciplining the licensee pursuant to Section 1550.
(e) (1) The State Department of Social Services shall not use a
record of arrest to deny, revoke, or terminate any application,
license, employment, or residence unless the department investigates
the incident and secures evidence, whether or not related to the
incident of arrest, that is admissible in an administrative hearing
to establish conduct by the person that may pose a risk to the health
and safety of any person who is or may become a client.
(2) The department shall not issue a criminal record clearance to
a person who has been arrested for any crime specified in Section 290
of the Penal Code, or for violating Section 245 or 273.5,
subdivision (b) of Section 273a, of the Penal Code, or, prior to
January 1, 1994, paragraph (2) of Section 273a of the Penal Code, or
for any crime for which the department is prohibited from granting a
criminal record exemption pursuant to subdivision (g), prior to the
department's completion of an investigation pursuant to paragraph
(1).
(3) The State Department of Social Services is authorized to
obtain any arrest or conviction records or reports from any law
enforcement agency as necessary to the performance of its duties to
inspect, license, and investigate community care facilities and
individuals associated with a community care facility.
(f) (1) For purposes of this section or any other provision of
this chapter, a conviction means a plea or verdict of guilty or a
conviction following a plea of nolo contendere. Any action that the
State Department of Social Services is permitted to take following
the establishment of a conviction may be taken when the time for
appeal has elapsed, when the judgment of conviction has been affirmed
on appeal, or when an order granting probation is made suspending
the imposition of sentence, notwithstanding a subsequent order
pursuant to Sections 1203.4 and 1203.4a of the Penal Code permitting
the person to withdraw his or her plea of guilty and to enter a plea
of not guilty, or setting aside the verdict of guilty, or dismissing
the accusation, information, or indictment. For purposes of this
section or any other provision of this chapter, the record of a
conviction, or a copy thereof certified by the clerk of the court or
by a judge of the court in which the conviction occurred, shall be
conclusive evidence of the conviction. For purposes of this section
or any other provision of this chapter, the arrest disposition report
certified by the Department of Justice, or documents admissible in a
criminal action pursuant to Section 969b of the Penal Code, shall be
prima facie evidence of the conviction, notwithstanding any other
law prohibiting the admission of these documents in a civil or
administrative action.
(2) For purposes of this section or any other provision of this
chapter, the department shall consider criminal convictions from
another state or federal court as if the criminal offense was
committed in this state.
(g) (1) After review of the record, the director may grant an
exemption from disqualification for a license or special permit as
specified in paragraph (4) of subdivision (a), or for a license,
special permit, or certificate of approval as specified in paragraphs
(4), (7), and (8) of subdivision (d), or for employment, residence,
or presence in a community care facility as specified in paragraphs
(3), (4), and (5) of subdivision (c), if the director has substantial
and convincing evidence to support a reasonable belief that the
applicant and the person convicted of the crime, if other than the
applicant, are of good character as to justify issuance of the
license or special permit or granting an exemption for purposes of
subdivision (c). Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, an
exemption shall not be granted pursuant to this subdivision if the
conviction was for any of the following offenses:
(A) (i) An offense specified in Section 220, 243.4, or 264.1,
subdivision (a) of Section 273a, or, prior to January 1, 1994,
paragraph (1) of Section 273a, Section 273d, 288, or 289, subdivision
(c) of Section 290, or Section 368, of the Penal Code, or was a
conviction of another crime against an individual specified in
subdivision (c) of Section 667.5 of the Penal Code.
(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i), the director may grant an
exemption regarding the conviction for an offense described in
paragraph (1), (2), (7), or (8) of subdivision (c) of Section 667.5
of the Penal Code, if the employee or prospective employee has been
rehabilitated as provided in Section 4852.03 of the Penal Code, has
maintained the conduct required in Section 4852.05 of the Penal Code
for at least 10 years, and has the recommendation of the district
attorney representing the employee's county of residence, or if the
employee or prospective employee has received a certificate of
rehabilitation pursuant to Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section
4852.01) of Title 6 of Part 3 of the Penal Code. This clause shall
not apply to foster care providers, including relative caregivers,
nonrelated extended family members, or any other person specified in
subdivision (b), in those homes where the individual has been
convicted of an offense described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c)
of Section 667.5 of the Penal Code.
(B) A felony offense specified in Section 729 of the Business and
Professions Code or Section 206 or 215, subdivision (a) of Section
347, subdivision (b) of Section 417, or subdivision (a) of Section
451 of the Penal Code.
(C) Under no circumstances shall an exemption be granted pursuant
to this subdivision to any foster care provider applicant if that
applicant, or any other person specified in subdivision (b) in those
homes, has a felony conviction for either of the following offenses:
(i) A felony conviction for child abuse or neglect, spousal abuse,
crimes against a child, including child pornography, or for a crime
involving violence, including rape, sexual assault, or homicide, but
not including other physical assault and battery. For purposes of
this subparagraph, a crime involving violence means a violent crime
specified in clause (i) of subparagraph (A), or subparagraph (B).
(ii) A felony conviction, within the last five years, for physical
assault, battery, or a drug- or alcohol-related offense.
(iii) This subparagraph shall not apply to licenses or approvals
wherein a caregiver was granted an exemption to a criminal conviction
described in clause (i) or (ii) prior to the enactment of this
subparagraph.
(iv) This subparagraph shall remain operative only to the extent
that compliance with its provisions is required by federal law as a
condition for receiving funding under Title IV-E of the federal
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 670 et seq.).
(2) The department shall not prohibit a person from being employed
or having contact with clients in a facility on the basis of a
denied criminal record exemption request or arrest information unless
the department complies with the requirements of Section 1558.
(h) (1) For purposes of compliance with this section, the
department may permit an individual to transfer a current criminal
record clearance, as defined in subdivision (a), from one facility to
another, as long as the criminal record clearance has been processed
through a state licensing district office, and is being transferred
to another facility licensed by a state licensing district office.
The request shall be in writing to the State Department of Social
Services, and shall include a copy of the person's driver's license
or valid identification card issued by the Department of Motor
Vehicles, or a valid photo identification issued by another state or
the United States government if the person is not a California
resident. Upon request of the licensee, who shall enclose a
self-addressed envelope for this purpose, the State Department of
Social Services shall verify whether the individual has a clearance
that can be transferred.
(2) The State Department of Social Services shall hold criminal
record clearances in its active files for a minimum of three years
after an employee is no longer employed at a licensed facility in
order for the criminal record clearance to be transferred.
(3) The following shall apply to a criminal record clearance or
exemption from the department or a county office with
department-delegated licensing authority:
(A) A county office with department-delegated licensing authority
may accept a clearance or exemption from the department.
(B) The department may accept a clearance or exemption from any
county office with department-delegated licensing authority.
(C) A county office with department-delegated licensing authority
may accept a clearance or exemption from any other county office with
department-delegated licensing authority.
(4) With respect to notifications issued by the Department of
Justice pursuant to Section 11105.2 of the Penal Code concerning an
individual whose criminal record clearance was originally processed
by the department or a county office with department-delegated
licensing authority, all of the following shall apply:
(A) The Department of Justice shall process a request from the
department or a county office with department-delegated licensing
authority to receive the notice only if all of the following
conditions are met:
(i) The request shall be submitted to the Department of Justice by
the agency to be substituted to receive the notification.
(ii) The request shall be for the same applicant type as the type
for which the original clearance was obtained.
(iii) The request shall contain all prescribed data elements and
format protocols pursuant to a written agreement between the
department and the Department of Justice.
(B) (i) On or before January 7, 2005, the department shall notify
the Department of Justice of all county offices that have
department-delegated licensing authority.
(ii) The department shall notify the Department of Justice within
15 calendar days of the date on which a new county office receives
department-delegated licensing authority or a county's delegated
licensing authority is rescinded.
(C) The Department of Justice shall charge the department, a
county office with department-delegated licensing authority, or a
county child welfare agency with criminal record clearance and
exemption authority, a fee for each time a request to substitute the
recipient agency is received for purposes of this paragraph. This fee
shall not exceed the cost of providing the service.
(5) (A) A county child welfare agency with authority to secure
clearances pursuant to Section 16504.5 of the Welfare and
Institutions Code and to grant exemptions pursuant to Section 361.4
of the Welfare and Institutions Code may accept a clearance or
exemption from another county with criminal record and exemption
authority pursuant to these sections.
(B) With respect to notifications issued by the Department of
Justice pursuant to Section 11105.2 of the Penal Code concerning an
individual whose criminal record clearance was originally processed
by a county child welfare agency with criminal record clearance and
exemption authority, the Department of Justice shall process a
request from a county child welfare agency with criminal record and
exemption authority to receive the notice only if all of the
following conditions are met:
(i) The request shall be submitted to the Department of Justice by
the agency to be substituted to receive the notification.
(ii) The request shall be for the same applicant type as the type
for which the original clearance was obtained.
(iii) The request shall contain all prescribed data elements and
format protocols pursuant to a written agreement between the State
Department of Social Services and the Department of Justice.
(i) The full criminal record obtained for purposes of this section
may be used by the department or by a licensed adoption agency as a
clearance required for adoption purposes.
(j) If a licensee or facility is required by law to deny
employment or to terminate employment of any employee based on
written notification from the state department that the employee has
a prior criminal conviction or is determined unsuitable for
employment under Section 1558, the licensee or facility shall not
incur civil liability or unemployment insurance liability as a result
of that denial or termination.
(k) The State Department of Social Services may charge a fee for
the costs of processing electronic fingerprint images and related
information.
( l ) Amendments to this section made in the
1999 portion of the 1999-2000 Regular Session shall be implemented
commencing 60 days after the effective date of the act amending this
section in the 1999 portion of the 1999-2000 Regular Session, except
that those provisions for the submission of fingerprints for
searching the records of the Federal Bureau of Investigation shall be
implemented 90 days after the effective date of that act.
SECTION 1. Section 1522 of the Health
and Safety Code is amended to read:
1522. The Legislature recognizes the need to generate timely and
accurate positive fingerprint identification of applicants as a
condition of issuing licenses, permits, or certificates of approval
for persons to operate or provide direct care services in a community
care facility, foster family home, or a certified family home of a
licensed foster family agency. Therefore, the Legislature supports
the use of the fingerprint live-scan technology, as identified in the
long-range plan of the Department of Justice for fully automating
the processing of fingerprints and other data by the year 1999,
otherwise known as the California Crime Information Intelligence
System (CAL-CII), to be used for applicant fingerprints. It is the
intent of the Legislature in enacting this section to require the
fingerprints of those individuals whose contact with community care
clients may pose a risk to the clients' health and safety. An
individual shall be required to obtain either a criminal record
clearance or a criminal record exemption from the State Department of
Social Services before his or her initial presence in a community
care facility or certified family home.
(a) (1) Before and, as applicable, subsequent to
issuing a license or special permit to any person or persons to
operate or manage a community care facility, the State Department of
Social Services shall secure from an appropriate law enforcement
agency a criminal record to determine whether the applicant or any
other person specified in subdivision (b) has ever been convicted of
a crime other than a minor traffic violation or arrested for any
crime specified in Section 290 of the Penal Code, or for
violating Section 245 , 273ab, or 273.5,
273.5 of the Penal Code, subdivision (b) of
Section 273a of the Penal Code, or, prior to January 1, 1994,
paragraph (2) of Section 273a of the Penal Code, or for any crime for
which the department cannot grant an exemption if the
person was convicted and the person has not been exonerated
is prohibited from granting a criminal record exemption
pursuant to subdivision (g) .
(2) The criminal history information shall include the full
criminal record, if any, of those persons, and subsequent arrest
information pursuant to Section 11105.2 of the Penal Code.
(3) Except during the 2003-04 to the 2014-15 fiscal years,
inclusive, neither the Department of Justice nor the State Department
of Social Services may charge a fee for the fingerprinting of an
applicant for a license or special permit to operate a facility
providing nonmedical board, room, and care for six or less children
or for obtaining a criminal record of the applicant pursuant to this
section.
(4) The following shall apply to the criminal record information:
(A) If the State Department of Social Services finds that the
applicant, or any other person specified in subdivision (b), has been
convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation, the
application shall be denied, unless the director grants an exemption
pursuant to subdivision (g).
(B) If the State Department of Social Services finds that the
applicant, or any other person specified in subdivision (b)
(b), is awaiting trial for a crime other than a
minor traffic violation, the State Department of Social Services may
cease processing the application criminal
record information until the conclusion of the trial.
(C) If no criminal record information has been recorded, the
Department of Justice shall provide the applicant and the State
Department of Social Services with a statement of that fact.
(D) If the State Department of Social Services finds after
licensure that the licensee, or any other person specified in
paragraph (1) of subdivision (b), has been convicted of a crime other
than a minor traffic violation, the license may be revoked, unless
the director grants an exemption pursuant to subdivision (g).
(E) An applicant and any other person specified in subdivision (b)
shall submit fingerprint images and related information to the
Department of Justice for the purpose of searching the criminal
records of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in addition to the
criminal records search required by this subdivision. If an applicant
and all other persons described in subdivision (b) meet all of the
conditions for licensure, except receipt of the Federal Bureau of
Investigation's criminal offender record information search response
for the applicant or any of the persons described in subdivision (b),
the department may issue
a license if the applicant and each person described in subdivision
(b) has signed and submitted a statement that he or she has never
been convicted of a crime in the United States, other than a traffic
infraction, as prescribed in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of
Section 42001 of the Vehicle Code. If, after licensure, or the
issuance of a certificate of approval of a certified family home by a
foster family agency, the department determines that the licensee or
any other person specified in subdivision (b) has a criminal record,
the department may revoke the license, or require a foster family
agency to revoke the certificate of approval, pursuant to Section
1550. The department may also suspend the license or require a foster
family agency to suspend the certificate of approval pending an
administrative hearing pursuant to Section 1550.5.
(F) The State Department of Social Services shall develop
procedures to provide the individual's state and federal criminal
history information with the written notification of his or her
exemption denial or revocation based on the criminal record. Receipt
of the criminal history information shall be optional on the part of
the individual, as set forth in the agency's procedures. The
procedure shall protect the confidentiality and privacy of the
individual's record, and the criminal history information shall not
be made available to the employer.
(G) Notwithstanding any other law, the department is authorized to
provide an individual with a copy of his or her state or federal
level criminal offender record information search response as
provided to that department by the Department of Justice if the
department has denied a criminal background clearance based on this
information and the individual makes a written request to the
department for a copy specifying an address to which it is to be
sent. The state or federal level criminal offender record information
search response shall not be modified or altered from its form or
content as provided by the Department of Justice and shall be
provided to the address specified by the individual in his or her
written request. The department shall retain a copy of the individual'
s written request and the response and date provided.
(b) (1) In addition to the applicant, this section shall be
applicable to criminal convictions of record
clearances and exemptions for the following persons:
(A) Adults responsible for administration or direct supervision of
staff.
(B) Any person, other than a client, residing in the facility or
certified family home.
(C) Any person who provides client assistance in dressing,
grooming, bathing, or personal hygiene. Any nurse assistant or home
health aide meeting the requirements of Section 1338.5 or 1736.6,
respectively, who is not employed, retained, or contracted by the
licensee, and who has been certified or recertified on or after July
1, 1998, shall be deemed to meet the criminal record clearance
requirements of this section. A certified nurse assistant and
certified home health aide who will be providing client assistance
and who falls under this exemption shall provide one copy of his or
her current certification, prior to providing care, to the community
care facility. The facility shall maintain the copy of the
certification on file as long as care is being provided by the
certified nurse assistant or certified home health aide at the
facility or certified family home. Nothing in this paragraph
restricts the right of the department to exclude a certified nurse
assistant or certified home health aide from a licensed community
care facility or certified family home pursuant to Section 1558.
(D) Any staff person, volunteer, or employee who has contact with
the clients.
(E) If the applicant is a firm, partnership, association, or
corporation, the chief executive officer or other person serving in
like capacity.
(F) Additional officers of the governing body of the applicant, or
other persons with a financial interest in the applicant, as
determined necessary by the department by regulation. The criteria
used in the development of these regulations shall be based on the
person's capability to exercise substantial influence over the
operation of the facility.
(2) The following persons are exempt from the requirements
applicable under paragraph (1):
(A) A medical professional as defined in department regulations
who holds a valid license or certification from the person's
governing California medical care regulatory entity and who is not
employed, retained, or contracted by the licensee if all of the
following apply:
(i) The criminal record of the person has been cleared as a
condition of licensure or certification by the person's governing
California medical care regulatory entity.
(ii) The person is providing time-limited specialized clinical
care or services.
(iii) The person is providing care or services within the person's
scope of practice.
(iv) The person is not a community care facility licensee or an
employee of the facility.
(B) A third-party repair person or similar retained contractor if
all of the following apply:
(i) The person is hired for a defined, time-limited job.
(ii) The person is not left alone with clients.
(iii) When clients are present in the room in which the repair
person or contractor is working, a staff person who has a criminal
record clearance or exemption is also present.
(C) Employees of a licensed home health agency and other members
of licensed hospice interdisciplinary teams who have a contract with
a client or resident of the facility and are in the facility at the
request of that client or resident's legal decisionmaker. The
exemption does not apply to a person who is a community care facility
licensee or an employee of the facility.
(D) Clergy and other spiritual caregivers who are performing
services in common areas of the community care facility or who are
advising an individual client at the request of, or with the
permission of, the client or legal decisionmaker, are exempt from
fingerprint and criminal background check requirements imposed by
community care licensing. This exemption does not apply to a person
who is a community care licensee or employee of the facility.
(E) Members of fraternal, service, or similar organizations who
conduct group activities for clients if all of the following apply:
(i) Members are not left alone with clients.
(ii) Members do not transport clients off the facility premises.
(iii) The same organization does not conduct group activities for
clients more often than defined by the department's regulations.
(3) In addition to the exemptions in paragraph (2), the following
persons in foster family homes, certified family homes, and small
family homes are exempt from the requirements applicable under
paragraph (1):
(A) Adult friends and family of the licensed or certified foster
parent, who come into the home to visit for a length of time no
longer than defined by the department in regulations, provided that
the adult friends and family of the licensee or certified parent are
not left alone with the foster children. However, the licensee or
certified parent, acting as a reasonable and prudent parent, as
defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 362.04 of the
Welfare and Institutions Code, may allow his or her adult friends and
family to provide short-term care to the foster child and act as an
appropriate occasional short-term babysitter for the child.
(B) Parents of a foster child's friend when the foster child is
visiting the friend's home and the friend, licensed or certified
foster parent, or both are also present. However, the licensee or
certified parent, acting as a reasonable and prudent parent, may
allow the parent of the foster child's friend to act as an
appropriate short-term babysitter for the child without the friend
being present.
(C) Individuals who are engaged by any licensed or certified
foster parent to provide short-term care to the child for periods not
to exceed 24 hours. Caregivers shall use a reasonable and prudent
parent standard in selecting appropriate individuals to act as
appropriate occasional short-term babysitters.
(4) In addition to the exemptions specified in paragraph (2), the
following persons in adult day care and adult day support centers are
exempt from the requirements applicable under paragraph (1):
(A) Unless contraindicated by the client's individualized program
plan (IPP) or needs and service plan, a spouse, significant other,
relative, or close friend of a client, or an attendant or a
facilitator for a client with a developmental disability if the
attendant or facilitator is not employed, retained, or contracted by
the licensee. This exemption applies only if the person is visiting
the client or providing direct care and supervision to the client.
(B) A volunteer if all of the following applies:
(i) The volunteer is supervised by the licensee or a facility
employee with a criminal record clearance or exemption.
(ii) The volunteer is never left alone with clients.
(iii) The volunteer does not provide any client assistance with
dressing, grooming, bathing, or personal hygiene other than washing
of hands.
(5) (A) In addition to the exemptions specified in paragraph (2),
the following persons in adult residential and social rehabilitation
facilities, unless contraindicated by the client's individualized
program plan (IPP) or needs and services plan, are exempt from the
requirements applicable under paragraph (1): a spouse, significant
other, relative, or close friend of a client, or an attendant or a
facilitator for a client with a developmental disability if the
attendant or facilitator is not employed, retained, or contracted by
the licensee. This exemption applies only if the person is visiting
the client or providing direct care and supervision to that client.
(B) Nothing in this subdivision shall prevent a licensee from
requiring a criminal record clearance of any individual exempt from
the requirements of this section, provided that the individual has
client contact.
(6) Any person similar to those described in this subdivision, as
defined by the department in regulations.
(c) (1) Subsequent to initial licensure, a person specified in
subdivision (b) who is not exempted from fingerprinting shall obtain
either a criminal record clearance or an exemption from
disqualification pursuant to subdivision (g) from the State
Department of Social Services prior to employment, residence, or
initial presence in the facility. A person specified in subdivision
(b) who is not exempt from fingerprinting shall be fingerprinted and
shall sign a declaration under penalty of perjury regarding any prior
criminal convictions. The licensee shall submit fingerprint images
and related information to the Department of Justice and the Federal
Bureau of Investigation, through the Department of Justice, for a
state and federal level criminal offender record information search,
or comply with paragraph (1) of subdivision (h). These fingerprint
images and related information shall be sent by electronic
transmission in a manner approved by the State Department of Social
Services and the Department of Justice for the purpose of obtaining a
permanent set of fingerprints, and shall be submitted to the
Department of Justice by the licensee. A licensee's failure to
prohibit the employment, residence, or initial presence of a person
specified in subdivision (b) who is not exempt from fingerprinting
and who has not received either a criminal record clearance or an
exemption from disqualification pursuant to subdivision (g) or to
comply with paragraph (1) of subdivision (h), as required in this
section, shall result in the citation of a deficiency and the
immediate assessment of civil penalties in the amount of one hundred
dollars ($100) per violation per day for a maximum of five days,
unless the violation is a second or subsequent violation within a
12-month period in which case the civil penalties shall be in the
amount of one hundred dollars ($100) per violation for a maximum of
30 days, and shall be grounds for disciplining the licensee pursuant
to Section 1550. The department may assess civil penalties for
continued violations as permitted by Section 1548. The fingerprint
images and related information shall then be submitted to the
Department of Justice for processing. Upon request of the licensee,
who shall enclose a self-addressed stamped postcard for this purpose,
the Department of Justice shall verify receipt of the fingerprints.
(2) Within 14 calendar days of the receipt of the fingerprint
images, the Department of Justice shall notify the State Department
of Social Services of the criminal record information, as provided
for in subdivision (a). If no criminal record information has been
recorded, the Department of Justice shall provide the licensee and
the State Department of Social Services with a statement of that fact
within 14 calendar days of receipt of the fingerprint images.
Documentation of the individual's clearance or exemption from
disqualification shall be maintained by the licensee and be available
for inspection. If new fingerprint images are required for
processing, the Department of Justice shall, within 14 calendar days
from the date of receipt of the fingerprints, notify the licensee
that the fingerprints were illegible, the Department of Justice shall
notify the State Department of Social Services, as required by
Section 1522.04, and shall also notify the licensee by mail, within
14 days of electronic transmission of the fingerprints to the
Department of Justice, if the person has no criminal history
recorded. A violation of the regulations adopted pursuant to Section
1522.04 shall result in the citation of a deficiency and an immediate
assessment of civil penalties in the amount of one hundred dollars
($100) per violation per day for a maximum of five days, unless the
violation is a second or subsequent violation within a 12-month
period in which case the civil penalties shall be in the amount of
one hundred dollars ($100) per violation for a maximum of 30 days,
and shall be grounds for disciplining the licensee pursuant to
Section 1550. The department may assess civil penalties for continued
violations as permitted by Section 1548.
(3) Except for persons specified in subdivision (b) who are exempt
from fingerprinting, the licensee shall endeavor to ascertain the
previous employment history of persons required to be fingerprinted.
If it is determined by the State Department of Social Services, on
the basis of the fingerprint images and related information submitted
to the Department of Justice, that subsequent to obtaining a
criminal record clearance or exemption from disqualification pursuant
to subdivision (g), the person has been convicted of, or is awaiting
trial for, a sex offense against a minor, or has been convicted for
an offense specified in Section 243.4, 273a, 273ab, 273d,
273g, or 368 of the Penal Code, or a felony, the State Department of
Social Services shall notify the licensee to act immediately to
terminate the person's employment, remove the person from the
community care facility, or bar the person from entering the
community care facility. The State Department of Social Services may
subsequently grant an exemption from disqualification pursuant to
subdivision (g). If the conviction or arrest was for another crime,
except a minor traffic violation, the licensee shall, upon
notification by the State Department of Social Services, act
immediately to either (A) terminate the person's employment, remove
the person from the community care facility, or bar the person from
entering the community care facility; or (B) seek an exemption from
disqualification pursuant to subdivision (g). The State Department of
Social Services shall determine if the person shall be allowed to
remain in the facility until a decision on the exemption from
disqualification is rendered. A licensee's failure to comply with the
department's prohibition of employment, contact with clients, or
presence in the facility as required by this paragraph shall result
in a citation of deficiency and an immediate assessment of civil
penalties in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100) per violation
per day and shall be grounds for disciplining the licensee pursuant
to Section 1550.
(4) The department may issue an exemption from disqualification on
its own motion pursuant to subdivision (g) if the person's criminal
history indicates that the person is of good character based on the
age, seriousness, and frequency of the conviction or convictions. The
department, in consultation with interested parties, shall develop
regulations to establish the criteria to grant an exemption from
disqualification pursuant to this paragraph.
(5) Concurrently with notifying the licensee pursuant to paragraph
(3), the department shall notify the affected individual of his or
her right to seek an exemption from disqualification pursuant to
subdivision (g). The individual may seek an exemption from
disqualification only if the licensee terminates the person's
employment or removes the person from the facility after receiving
notice from the department pursuant to paragraph (3).
(d) (1) Before and, as applicable, subsequent to
issuing a license or certificate of approval to any person or persons
to operate a foster family home or certified family home as
described in Section 1506, the State Department of Social Services or
other approving authority shall secure California and Federal Bureau
of Investigation criminal history information to determine whether
the applicant or any person specified in subdivision (b) who is not
exempt from fingerprinting has ever been convicted of a crime other
than a minor traffic violation or arrested for any crime specified in
subdivision (c) of Section 290 of the Penal Code, for violating
Section 245 , 273ab, or 273.5, subdivision (b) of Section
273a 273a, or, prior to January 1,
1994, paragraph (2) of Section 273a 273a,
of the Penal Code, or for any crime for which the department
cannot grant an exemption if the person was convicted and
the person has not been exonerated is prohibited from
granting a criminal record exemption pursuant to subdivision (g)
. The State Department of Social Services or other approving
authority shall not issue a license or certificate of approval to any
foster family home or certified family home applicant who has not
obtained both a California and Federal Bureau of Investigation
criminal record clearance or exemption from disqualification pursuant
to subdivision (g).
(2) The criminal history information shall include the full
criminal record, if any, of those persons.
(3) Neither the Department of Justice nor the State Department of
Social Services may charge a fee for the fingerprinting of an
applicant for a license, special permit, or certificate of approval
described in this subdivision. The record, if any, shall be taken
into consideration when evaluating a prospective applicant.
(4) The following shall apply to the criminal record information:
(A) If the applicant or other persons specified in subdivision (b)
who are not exempt from fingerprinting have convictions that would
make the applicant's home unfit as a foster family home or a
certified family home, the license, special permit, or
certificate of approval , or presence shall be
denied.
(B) If the State Department of Social Services finds that the
applicant, or any person specified in subdivision (b) who is not
exempt from fingerprinting is awaiting trial for a crime other than a
minor traffic violation, the State Department of Social Services or
other approving authority may cease processing the
application criminal record information until
the conclusion of the trial.
(C) For purposes of this subdivision, a criminal record clearance
provided under Section 8712 of the Family Code may be used by the
department or other approving agency.
(D) To the same extent required for federal funding, an applicant
for a foster family home license or for certification as a family
home, and any other person specified in subdivision (b) who is not
exempt from fingerprinting, shall submit a set of fingerprint images
and related information to the Department of Justice and the Federal
Bureau of Investigation, through the Department of Justice, for a
state and federal level criminal offender record information search,
in addition to the criminal records search required by subdivision
(a).
(5) Any person specified in this subdivision shall, as a part of
the application, be fingerprinted and sign a declaration under
penalty of perjury regarding any prior criminal convictions or
arrests for any crime against a child, spousal or cohabitant
abuse or, abuse, or any crime for which the
department cannot grant an exemption if the person was convicted and
shall submit these fingerprints to the licensing agency or other
approving authority.
(6) (A) Subsequent to initial licensure or certification, a person
specified in subdivision (b) who is not exempt from fingerprinting
shall obtain both a California and Federal Bureau of Investigation
criminal record clearance, or an exemption from disqualification
pursuant to subdivision (g), prior to employment, residence, or
initial presence in the foster family or certified family home. A
foster family home licensee or foster family agency shall submit
fingerprint images and related information of persons specified in
subdivision (b) who are not exempt from fingerprinting to the
Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation,
through the Department of Justice, for a state and federal level
criminal offender record information search, or to comply with
paragraph (1) of subdivision (h). A foster family home licensee's or
a foster family agency's failure to either prohibit the employment,
residence, or initial presence of a person specified in subdivision
(b) who is not exempt from fingerprinting and who has not received
either a criminal record clearance or an exemption from
disqualification pursuant to subdivision (g), or comply with
paragraph (1) of subdivision (h), as required in this section, shall
result in a citation of a deficiency, and the immediate civil
penalties of one hundred dollars ($100) per violation per day for a
maximum of five days, unless the violation is a second or subsequent
violation within a 12-month period in which case the civil penalties
shall be in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100) per violation
for a maximum of 30 days, and shall be grounds for disciplining the
licensee pursuant to Section 1550. A violation of the regulation
adopted pursuant to Section 1522.04 shall result in the citation of a
deficiency and an immediate assessment of civil penalties in the
amount of one hundred dollars ($100) per violation per day for a
maximum of five days, unless the violation is a second or subsequent
violation within a 12-month period in which case the civil penalties
shall be in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100) per violation
for a maximum of 30 days, and shall be grounds for disciplining the
foster family home licensee or the foster family agency pursuant to
Section 1550. The State Department of Social Services may assess
penalties for continued violations, as permitted by Section 1548. The
fingerprint images shall then be submitted to the Department of
Justice for processing.
(B) Upon request of the licensee, who shall enclose a
self-addressed envelope for this purpose, the Department of Justice
shall verify receipt of the fingerprints. Within five working days of
the receipt of the criminal record or information regarding criminal
convictions from the Department of Justice, the department shall
notify the applicant of any criminal arrests or convictions. If no
arrests or convictions are recorded, the Department of Justice shall
provide the foster family home licensee or the foster family agency
with a statement of that fact concurrent with providing the
information to the State Department of Social Services.
(7) If the State Department of Social Services or other approving
authority finds that the applicant, or any other person specified in
subdivision (b) who is not exempt from fingerprinting, has been
convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation, the
application or presence shall be denied, unless the
director grants an exemption from disqualification pursuant to
subdivision (g).
(8) If the State Department of Social Services or other approving
authority finds after licensure or the granting of the certificate of
approval that the licensee, certified foster parent, or any other
person specified in subdivision (b) who is not exempt from
fingerprinting, has been convicted of a crime other than a minor
traffic violation, the license or certificate of approval may be
revoked by the department or the foster family agency, whichever is
applicable, unless the director grants an exemption from
disqualification pursuant to subdivision (g). A licensee's failure to
comply with the department's prohibition of employment, contact with
clients, or presence in the facility as required by paragraph (3) of
subdivision (c) shall be grounds for disciplining the licensee
pursuant to Section 1550.
(e) (1) The State Department of Social
Services shall not use a record of arrest to deny, revoke, or
terminate any application, license, employment, or residence unless
the department investigates the incident and secures evidence,
whether or not related to the incident of arrest, that is admissible
in an administrative hearing to establish conduct by the person that
may pose a risk to the health and safety of any person who is or may
become a client. The State Department of Social Services is
authorized to obtain any arrest or conviction records or reports from
any law enforcement agency as necessary to the performance of its
duties to inspect, license, and investigate community care facilities
and individuals associated with a community care facility.
(2) The department shall not issue a criminal record clearance to
a person who has been arrested for any crime specified in Section 290
of the Penal Code, or for violating Section 245, 273ab, or 273.5, or
subdivision (b) of Section 273a, of the Penal Code, or, prior to
January 1, 1994, paragraph (2) of Section 273a of the Penal Code, or
for any crime for which the department is prohibited from granting a
criminal record exemption
pursuant to subdivision (g), prior to the department's completion of
an investigation pursuant to paragraph (1).
(3) The State Department of Social Services is authorized to
obtain any arrest or conviction records or reports from any law
enforcement agency as necessary to the performance of its duties to
inspect, license, and investigate community care facilities and
individuals associated with a community care facility.
(f) (1) For purposes of this section or any other provision of
this chapter, a conviction means a plea or verdict of guilty or a
conviction following a plea of nolo contendere. Any action that the
State Department of Social Services is permitted to take following
the establishment of a conviction may be taken when the time for
appeal has elapsed, when the judgment of conviction has been affirmed
on appeal, or when an order granting probation is made suspending
the imposition of sentence, notwithstanding a subsequent order
pursuant to Sections 1203.4 and 1203.4a of the Penal Code permitting
the person to withdraw his or her plea of guilty and to enter a plea
of not guilty, or setting aside the verdict of guilty, or dismissing
the accusation, information, or indictment. For purposes of this
section or any other provision of this chapter, the record of a
conviction, or a copy thereof certified by the clerk of the court or
by a judge of the court in which the conviction occurred, shall be
conclusive evidence of the conviction. For purposes of this section
or any other provision of this chapter, the arrest disposition report
certified by the Department of Justice, or documents admissible in a
criminal action pursuant to Section 969b of the Penal Code, shall be
prima facie evidence of the conviction, notwithstanding any other
law prohibiting the admission of these documents in a civil or
administrative action.
(2) For purposes of this section or any other provision of this
chapter, the department shall consider criminal convictions from
another state or federal court as if the criminal offense was
committed in this state.
(g) (1) After review of the record, the director may grant an
exemption from disqualification for a license or special permit as
specified in paragraph (4) of subdivision (a), or for a license,
special permit, or certificate of approval as specified in paragraphs
(4), (7), and (8) of subdivision (d), or for employment, residence,
or presence in a community care facility as specified in paragraphs
(3), (4), and (5) of subdivision (c), if the director has substantial
and convincing evidence to support a reasonable belief that the
applicant and the person convicted of the crime, if other than the
applicant, are of good character as to justify issuance of the
license or special permit or granting an exemption for purposes of
subdivision (c). Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, an
exemption shall not be granted pursuant to this subdivision if the
conviction was for any of the following offenses:
(A) (i) An offense specified in Section 220, 243.4, or 264.1,
subdivision (a) of Section 273a 273a,
or, prior to January 1, 1994, paragraph (1) of Section 273a, Section
273ab, 273d, 288, or 289, subdivision (c) of Section 290,
or Section 368 368, of the Penal Code,
or was a conviction of another crime against an individual specified
in subdivision (c) of Section 667.5 of the Penal Code.
(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i), the director may grant an
exemption regarding the conviction for an offense described in
paragraph (1), (2), (7), or (8) of subdivision (c) of Section 667.5
of the Penal Code, if the employee or prospective employee has been
rehabilitated as provided in Section 4852.03 of the Penal Code, has
maintained the conduct required in Section 4852.05 of the Penal Code
for at least 10 years, and has the recommendation of the district
attorney representing the employee's county of residence, or if the
employee or prospective employee has received a certificate of
rehabilitation pursuant to Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section
4852.01) of Title 6 of Part 3 of the Penal Code. This clause shall
not apply to foster care providers, including relative caregivers,
nonrelated extended family members, or any other person specified in
subdivision (b), in those homes where the individual has been
convicted of an offense described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c)
of Section 667.5 of the Penal Code.
(B) A felony offense specified in Section 729 of the Business and
Professions Code or Section 206 or 215, subdivision (a) of Section
347, subdivision (b) of Section 417, or subdivision (a) of Section
451 of the Penal Code.
(C) Under no circumstances shall an exemption be granted pursuant
to this subdivision to any foster care provider applicant if that
applicant, or any other person specified in subdivision (b) in those
homes, has a felony conviction for either of the following offenses:
(i) A felony conviction for child abuse or neglect, spousal abuse,
crimes against a child, including child pornography, or for a crime
involving violence, including rape, sexual assault, or homicide, but
not including other physical assault and battery. For purposes of
this subparagraph, a crime involving violence means a violent crime
specified in clause (i) of subparagraph (A), or subparagraph (B).
(ii) A felony conviction, within the last five years, for physical
assault, battery, or a drug- or alcohol-related offense.
(iii) This subparagraph shall not apply to licenses or approvals
wherein a caregiver was granted an exemption to a criminal conviction
described in clause (i) or (ii) prior to the enactment of this
subparagraph.
(iv) This subparagraph shall remain operative only to the extent
that compliance with its provisions is required by federal law as a
condition for receiving funding under Title IV-E of the federal
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 670 et seq.).
(2) The department shall not prohibit a person from being employed
or having contact with clients in a facility on the basis of a
denied criminal record exemption request or arrest information unless
the department complies with the requirements of Section 1558.
(h) (1) For purposes of compliance with this section, the
department may permit an individual to transfer a current criminal
record clearance, as defined in subdivision (a), from one facility to
another, as long as the criminal record clearance has been processed
through a state licensing district office, and is being transferred
to another facility licensed by a state licensing district office.
The request shall be in writing to the State Department of Social
Services, and shall include a copy of the person's driver's license
or valid identification card issued by the Department of Motor
Vehicles, or a valid photo identification issued by another state or
the United States government if the person is not a California
resident. Upon request of the licensee, who shall enclose a
self-addressed envelope for this purpose, the State Department of
Social Services shall verify whether the individual has a clearance
that can be transferred.
(2) The State Department of Social Services shall hold criminal
record clearances in its active files for a minimum of three years
after an employee is no longer employed at a licensed facility in
order for the criminal record clearance to be transferred.
(3) The following shall apply to a criminal record clearance or
exemption from the department or a county office with
department-delegated licensing authority:
(A) A county office with department-delegated licensing authority
may accept a clearance or exemption from the department.
(B) The department may accept a clearance or exemption from any
county office with department-delegated licensing authority.
(C) A county office with department-delegated licensing authority
may accept a clearance or exemption from any other county office with
department-delegated licensing authority.
(4) With respect to notifications issued by the Department of
Justice pursuant to Section 11105.2 of the Penal Code concerning an
individual whose criminal record clearance was originally processed
by the department or a county office with department-delegated
licensing authority, all of the following shall apply:
(A) The Department of Justice shall process a request from the
department or a county office with department-delegated licensing
authority to receive the notice only if all of the following
conditions are met:
(i) The request shall be submitted to the Department of Justice by
the agency to be substituted to receive the notification.
(ii) The request shall be for the same applicant type as the type
for which the original clearance was obtained.
(iii) The request shall contain all prescribed data elements and
format protocols pursuant to a written agreement between the
department and the Department of Justice.
(B) (i) On or before January 7, 2005, the department shall notify
the Department of Justice of all county offices that have
department-delegated licensing authority.
(ii) The department shall notify the Department of Justice within
15 calendar days of the date on which a new county office receives
department-delegated licensing authority or a county's delegated
licensing authority is rescinded.
(C) The Department of Justice shall charge the department, a
county office with department-delegated licensing authority, or a
county child welfare agency with criminal record clearance and
exemption authority, a fee for each time a request to substitute the
recipient agency is received for purposes of this paragraph. This fee
shall not exceed the cost of providing the service.
(5) (A) A county child welfare agency with authority to secure
clearances pursuant to Section 16504.5 of the Welfare and
Institutions Code and to grant exemptions pursuant to Section 361.4
of the Welfare and Institutions Code may accept a clearance or
exemption from another county with criminal record and exemption
authority pursuant to these sections.
(B) With respect to notifications issued by the Department of
Justice pursuant to Section 11105.2 of the Penal Code concerning an
individual whose criminal record clearance was originally processed
by a county child welfare agency with criminal record clearance and
exemption authority, the Department of Justice shall process a
request from a county child welfare agency with criminal record and
exemption authority to receive the notice only if all of the
following conditions are met:
(i) The request shall be submitted to the Department of Justice by
the agency to be substituted to receive the notification.
(ii) The request shall be for the same applicant type as the type
for which the original clearance was obtained.
(iii) The request shall contain all prescribed data elements and
format protocols pursuant to a written agreement between the State
Department of Social Services and the Department of Justice.
(i) The full criminal record obtained for purposes of this section
may be used by the department or by a licensed adoption agency as a
clearance required for adoption purposes.
(j) If a licensee or facility is required by law to deny
employment or to terminate employment of any employee based on
written notification from the state department that the employee has
a prior criminal conviction or is determined unsuitable for
employment under Section 1558, the licensee or facility shall not
incur civil liability or unemployment insurance liability as a result
of that denial or termination.
(k) The State Department of Social Services may charge a fee for
the costs of processing electronic fingerprint images and related
information.
( l ) Amendments to this section made in the 1999
portion of the 1999-2000 Regular Session shall be implemented
commencing 60 days after the effective date of the act amending this
section in the 1999 portion of the 1999-2000 Regular Session, except
that those provisions for the submission of fingerprints for
searching the records of the Federal Bureau of Investigation shall be
implemented 90 days after the effective date of that act.
SEC. 2. Section 1568.09 of the Health and Safety Code is amended
to read:
1568.09. It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this
section to require the electronic fingerprint images of those
individuals whose contact with residents of residential care
facilities for persons with a chronic, life-threatening illness may
pose a risk to the residents' health and safety.
It is the intent of the Legislature, in enacting this section, to
require the electronic fingerprint images of those individuals whose
contact with community care clients may pose a risk to the clients'
health and safety. An individual shall be required to obtain either a
criminal record clearance or a criminal record exemption from the
State Department of Social Services before his or her initial
presence in a residential care facility for persons with a chronic,
life-threatening illness.
(a) (1) Before and, as applicable, subsequent to issuing a license
to a person or persons to operate or manage a residential care
facility, the department shall secure from an appropriate law
enforcement agency a criminal record to determine whether the
applicant or any other person specified in subdivision (b) has ever
been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation or
arrested for any crime specified in subdivision (c) of Section 290 of
the Penal Code, or for violating Section 245 , 273ab, or
273.5, subdivision (b) of Section 273a, or, prior to January 1, 1994,
paragraph (2) of Section 273a, of the Penal Code, or for any crime
for which the department is prohibited from granting a criminal
record exemption pursuant to subdivision (f).
(2) The criminal history information shall include the full
criminal record, if any, of those persons, and subsequent arrest
information pursuant to Section 11105.2 of the Penal Code.
(3) The following shall apply to the criminal record information:
(A) If the State Department of Social Services finds that the
applicant or another person specified in subdivision (b), has been
convicted of a crime, other than a minor traffic violation, the
application shall be denied, unless the director grants an exemption
pursuant to subdivision (f).
(B) If the State Department of Social Services finds that the
applicant, or another person specified in subdivision (b), is
awaiting trial for a crime other than a minor traffic violation, the
State Department of Social Services may cease processing the criminal
record information until the conclusion of the trial.
(C) If no criminal record information has been recorded, the
Department of Justice shall provide the applicant and the State
Department of Social Services with a statement of that fact.
(D) If the State Department of Social Services finds after
licensure that the licensee, or any other person specified in
paragraph (2) of subdivision (b), has been convicted of a crime other
than a minor traffic violation, the license may be revoked, unless
the director grants an exemption pursuant to subdivision (f).
(E) An applicant and any other person specified in subdivision (b)
shall submit fingerprint images and related information to the
Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation,
through the Department of Justice, for a state and federal level
criminal offender record information search, in addition to the
search required by this subdivision. If an applicant meets all other
conditions for licensure, except receipt of the Federal Bureau of
Investigation's criminal history information for the applicant and
persons listed in subdivision (b), the department may issue a license
if the applicant and each person described by subdivision (b) has
signed and submitted a statement that he or she has never been
convicted of a crime in the United States, other than a traffic
infraction as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section
42001 of the Vehicle Code. If, after licensure, the department
determines that the licensee or person specified in subdivision (b)
has a criminal record, the license may be revoked pursuant to
subdivision (a) of Section 1568.082. The department may also suspend
the license pending an administrative hearing pursuant to subdivision
(b) of Section 1568.082.
(b) In addition to the applicant, this section shall be applicable
to criminal record clearances and exemptions for the following
persons:
(1) Adults responsible for administration or direct supervision of
staff of the facility.
(2) A person, other than a resident, residing in the facility.
(3) A person who provides resident assistance in dressing,
grooming, bathing, or personal hygiene. A nurse assistant or home
health aide meeting the requirements of Section 1338.5 or 1736.6,
respectively, who is not employed, retained, or contracted by the
licensee, and who has been certified or recertified on or after July
1, 1998, shall be deemed to meet the criminal record clearance
requirements of this section. A certified nurse assistant and
certified home health aide who will be providing client assistance
and who falls under this exemption shall provide one copy of his or
her current certification, prior to providing care, to the
residential care facility for persons with a chronic,
life-threatening illness. The facility shall maintain the copy of the
certification on file as long as care is being provided by the
certified nurse assistant or certified home health aide at the
facility. This paragraph does not restrict the right of the
department to exclude a certified nurse assistant or certified home
health aide from a licensed residential care facility for persons
with a chronic, life-threatening illness pursuant to Section
1568.092.
(4) (A) A staff person, volunteer, or employee who has contact
with the residents.
(B) A volunteer shall be exempt from the requirements of this
subdivision if he or she is a relative, significant other, or close
friend of a client receiving care in the facility and the volunteer
does not provide direct care and supervision of residents. A
volunteer who provides direct care and supervision shall be exempt if
the volunteer is a resident's spouse, significant other, close
friend, or family member and provides direct care and supervision to
that resident only at the request of the resident. The department may
define in regulations persons similar to those described in this
subparagraph who may be exempt from the requirements of this
subdivision.
(5) If the applicant is a firm, partnership, association, or
corporation, the chief executive officer or other person serving in
that capacity.
(6) Additional officers of the governing body of the applicant, or
other persons with a financial interest in the applicant, as
determined necessary by the department by regulation. The criteria
used in the development of these regulations shall be based on the
person's capability to exercise substantial influence over the
operation of the facility.
(c) (1) (A) Subsequent to initial licensure, a person specified in
subdivision (b) and not exempted from fingerprinting shall obtain
either a criminal record clearance or an exemption from
disqualification, pursuant to subdivision (f), from the State
Department of Social Services prior to employment, residence, or
initial presence in the facility. A person specified in subdivision
(b) who is not exempt from fingerprinting shall be fingerprinted and
shall sign a declaration under penalty of perjury regarding any prior
criminal convictions. The licensee shall submit fingerprint images
and related information to the Department of Justice and the Federal
Bureau of Investigation, through the Department of Justice, for a
state and federal level criminal offender record information search,
or to comply with paragraph (1) of subdivision (g), prior to the
person's employment, residence, or initial presence in the
residential care facility.
(B) These fingerprint images and related information shall be
electronically submitted to the Department of Justice in a manner
approved by the State Department of Social Services and the
Department of Justice, for the purpose of obtaining a permanent set
of fingerprints. A licensee's failure to submit fingerprint images
and related information to the Department of Justice, or to comply
with paragraph (1) of subdivision (g), as required in this section,
shall result in the citation of a deficiency and an immediate
assessment of civil penalties in the amount of one hundred dollars
($100) per violation per day for a maximum of five days, unless the
violation is a second or subsequent violation within a 12-month
period in which case the civil penalties shall be in the amount of
one hundred dollars ($100) per violation for a maximum of 30 days,
and shall be grounds for disciplining the licensee pursuant to
Section 1568.082. The State Department of Social Services may assess
civil penalties for continued violations as allowed in Section
1568.0822. The fingerprint images and related information shall then
be submitted to the Department of Justice for processing. The
licensee shall maintain and make available for inspection
documentation of the individual's clearance or exemption.
(2) A violation of the regulations adopted pursuant to Section
1522.04 shall result in the citation of a deficiency and an immediate
assessment of civil penalties in the amount of one hundred dollars
($100) per violation per day for a maximum of five days, unless the
violation is a second or subsequent violation within a 12-month
period in which case the civil penalties shall be in the amount of
one hundred dollars ($100) per violation for a maximum of 30 days,
and shall be grounds for disciplining the licensee pursuant to
Section 1568.082. The department may assess civil penalties for
continued violations as permitted by Section 1568.0822.
(3) Within 14 calendar days of the receipt of the fingerprint
images, the Department of Justice shall notify the State Department
of Social Services of the criminal record information, as provided
for in this subdivision. If no criminal record information has been
recorded, the Department of Justice shall provide the licensee and
the State Department of Social Services with a statement of that fact
within 14 calendar days of receipt of the fingerprint images. If new
fingerprint images are required for processing, the Department of
Justice shall, within 14 calendar days from the date of receipt of
the fingerprint images, notify the licensee that the fingerprint
images were illegible. The Department of Justice shall notify the
department, as required by Section 1522.04, and shall notify the
licensee by mail within 14 days of electronic transmission of the
fingerprint images to the Department of Justice, if the person has no
criminal history record.
(4) Except for persons specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision
(b), the licensee shall endeavor to ascertain the previous employment
history of persons required to be fingerprinted under this
subdivision. If it is determined by the State Department of Social
Services, on the basis of the fingerprint images submitted to the
Department of Justice, that the person has been convicted of a sex
offense against a minor, an offense specified in Section 243.4, 273a,
273ab, 273d, 273g, or 368 of the Penal Code, or a felony,
the department shall notify the licensee to act immediately to
terminate the person's employment, remove the person from the
residential care facility, or bar the person from entering the
residential care facility. The department may subsequently grant an
exemption pursuant to subdivision (f). If the conviction was for
another crime, except a minor traffic violation, the licensee shall,
upon notification by the department, act immediately to either (A)
terminate the person's employment, remove the person from the
residential care facility, or bar the person from entering the
residential care facility; or (B) seek an exemption pursuant to
subdivision (f). The department shall determine if the person shall
be allowed to remain in the facility until a decision on the
exemption is rendered. A licensee's failure to comply with the
department's prohibition of employment, contact with clients, or
presence in the facility as required by this paragraph shall result
in a citation of deficiency and an immediate assessment of civil
penalties by the department against the licensee, in the amount of
one hundred dollars ($100) per violation per day for a maximum of
five days, unless the violation is a second or subsequent violation
within a 12-month period in which case the civil penalties shall be
in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100) per violation for a
maximum of 30 days, and shall be grounds for disciplining the
licensee pursuant to Section 1568.082.
(5) The department may issue an exemption on its own motion
pursuant to subdivision (f) if the person's criminal history
indicates that the person is of good character based on the age,
seriousness, and frequency of the conviction or convictions. The
department, in consultation with interested parties, shall develop
regulations to establish the criteria to grant an exemption pursuant
to this paragraph.
(6) Concurrently with notifying the licensee pursuant to paragraph
(4), the department shall notify the affected individual of his or
her right to seek an exemption pursuant to subdivision (f). The
individual may seek an exemption only if the licensee terminates the
person's employment or removes the person from the facility after
receiving notice from the department pursuant to paragraph (4).
(d) (1) For purposes of this section or any other provision of
this chapter, a conviction means a plea or verdict of guilty or a
conviction following a plea of nolo contendere. An action that the
department is permitted to take following the establishment of a
conviction may be taken when the time for appeal has elapsed, when
the judgment of conviction has been affirmed on appeal, or when an
order granting probation is made suspending the imposition of the
sentence, notwithstanding a subsequent order pursuant to Sections
1203.4 and 1203.4a of the Penal Code permitting that person to
withdraw his or her plea of guilty and to enter a plea of not guilty,
setting aside the verdict of guilty, or dismissing the accusation,
information, or indictment. For purposes of this chapter, the record
of a conviction, or a copy thereof certified by the clerk of the
court or by a judge of the court in which the conviction occurred,
shall be conclusive evidence of the conviction. For purposes
of this section or any other
provision of this chapter, the arrest disposition report certified by
the Department of Justice, or documents admissible in a criminal
action pursuant to Section 969b of the Penal Code, shall be prima
facie evidence of the conviction, notwithstanding any other provision
of law prohibiting the admission of these documents in a civil or
administrative action.
(2) For purposes of this section or any other provision of this
chapter, the department shall consider criminal convictions from
another state or federal court as if the criminal offense was
committed in this state.
(e) (1) The State Department of Social Services shall not use a
record of arrest to deny, revoke, or terminate any application,
license, employment, or residence unless the department investigates
the incident and secures evidence, whether or not related to the
incident of arrest, that is admissible in an administrative hearing
to establish conduct by the person that may pose a risk to the health
and safety of any person who is or may become a client.
(2) The department shall not issue a criminal record clearance to
a person who has been arrested for any crime specified in Section 290
of the Penal Code, for violating Section 245 , 273ab, or
273.5, or subdivision (b) of Section 273a, of the Penal Code, or,
prior to January 1, 1994, paragraph (2) of Section 273a of the Penal
Code, or for any crime for which the department is prohibited from
granting a criminal record exemption pursuant to subdivision (f),
prior to the department's completion of an investigation pursuant to
paragraph (1).
(3) The State Department of Social Services is authorized to
obtain arrest or conviction records or reports from a law enforcement
agency as necessary to the performance of its duties to inspect,
license, and investigate community care facilities and individuals
associated with a community care facility.
(f) (1) After review of the record, the director may grant an
exemption from disqualification for a license as specified in
paragraphs (1) and (4) of subdivision (a), or for employment,
residence, or presence in a residential care facility as specified in
paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) of subdivision (c) if the director has
substantial and convincing evidence to support a reasonable belief
that the applicant and the person convicted of the crime, if other
than the applicant, are of such good character as to justify issuance
of the license or special permit or granting an exemption for
purposes of subdivision (c). However, an exemption shall not be
granted pursuant to this subdivision if the conviction was for any of
the following offenses:
(A) An offense specified in Section 220, 243.4, or 264.1,
subdivision (a) of Section 273a, or, prior to January 1, 1994,
paragraph (1) of Section 273a, Section 273ab, 273d, 288,
or 289, subdivision (c) of Section 290, or Section 368, of the Penal
Code, or was a conviction of another crime against an individual
specified in subdivision (c) of Section 667.5 of the Penal Code.
(B) A felony offense specified in Section 729 of the Business and
Professions Code or Section 206 or 215, subdivision (a) of Section
347, subdivision (b) of Section 417, or subdivision (a) of Section
451 of the Penal Code.
(2) The department shall not prohibit a person from being employed
or having contact with clients in a facility on the basis of a
denied criminal record exemption request or arrest information unless
the department complies with Section 1568.092.
(g) (1) For purposes of compliance with this section, the
department may permit an individual to transfer a current criminal
record clearance, as defined in subdivision (a), from one facility to
another, as long as the criminal record clearance has been processed
through a state licensing district office, and is being transferred
to another facility licensed by a state licensing district office.
The request shall be in writing to the department, and shall include
a copy of the person's driver's license or valid identification card
issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles, or a valid photo
identification issued by another state or the United States
government if the person is not a California resident. Upon request
of the licensee, who shall enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
for this purpose, the department shall verify whether the individual
has a clearance that can be transferred.
(2) The State Department of Social Services shall hold criminal
record clearances in its active files for a minimum of two years
after an employee is no longer employed at a licensed facility in
order for the criminal record clearance to be transferred.
(h) If a licensee or facility is required by law to deny
employment or to terminate employment of any employee based on
written notification from the state department that the employee has
a prior criminal conviction or is determined unsuitable for
employment under Section 1568.092, the licensee or facility shall not
incur civil liability or unemployment insurance liability as a
result of that denial or termination.
(i) (1) The Department of Justice shall charge a fee sufficient to
cover its cost in providing services to comply with the 14-day
requirement contained in subdivision (c) for provision to the
department of criminal record information.
(2) Paragraph (1) shall cease to be implemented when the
department adopts emergency regulations pursuant to Section 1522.04,
and shall become inoperative when permanent regulations are adopted
under that section.
(j) Notwithstanding any other law, the department may provide an
individual with a copy of his or her state or federal level criminal
offender record information search response as provided to that
department by the Department of Justice if the department has denied
a criminal background clearance based on this information and the
individual makes a written request to the department for a copy
specifying an address to which it is to be sent. The state or federal
level criminal offender record information search response shall not
be modified or altered from its form or content as provided by the
Department of Justice and shall be provided to the address specified
by the individual in his or her written request. The department shall
retain a copy of the individual's written request and the response
and date provided.
SEC. 3. Section 1569.17 of the Health and Safety Code is amended
to read:
1569.17. The Legislature recognizes the need to generate timely
and accurate positive fingerprint identification of applicants as a
condition of issuing licenses, permits, or certificates of approval
for persons to operate or provide direct care services in a
residential care facility for the elderly. It is the intent of the
Legislature in enacting this section to require the fingerprints of
those individuals whose contact with clients of residential care
facilities for the elderly may pose a risk to the clients' health and
safety. An individual shall be required to obtain either a criminal
record clearance or a criminal record exemption from the State
Department of Social Services before his or her initial presence in a
residential care facility for the elderly.
(a) (1) Before and, as applicable, subsequent to issuing a license
to any person or persons to operate or manage a residential care
facility for the elderly, the department shall secure from an
appropriate law enforcement agency a criminal record to determine
whether the applicant or any other person specified in subdivision
(b) has ever been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic
violation or arrested for any crime specified in subdivision (c) of
Section 290 of the Penal Code, or for violating Section 245 ,
273ab, or 273.5, subdivision (b) of Section 273a, or, prior to
January 1, 1994, paragraph (2) of Section 273a, of the Penal Code, or
for any crime for which the department is prohibited from granting a
criminal record exemption pursuant to subdivision (f).
(2) The criminal history information shall include the full
criminal record, if any, of those persons, and subsequent arrest
information pursuant to Section 11105.2 of the Penal Code.
(3) The following shall apply to the criminal record information:
(A) If the State Department of Social Services finds that the
applicant or any other person specified in subdivision (b) has been
convicted of a crime, other than a minor traffic violation, the
application or presence shall be denied, unless the director grants
an exemption pursuant to subdivision (f).
(B) If the State Department of Social Services finds that the
applicant, or any other person specified in subdivision (b), is
awaiting trial for a crime other than a minor traffic violation, the
State Department of Social Services may cease processing the criminal
record information until the conclusion of the trial.
(C) If no criminal record information has been recorded, the
Department of Justice shall provide the applicant and the State
Department of Social Services with a statement of that fact.
(D) If the State Department of Social Services finds after
licensure that the licensee, or any other person specified in
paragraph (2) of subdivision (b), has been convicted of a crime other
than a minor traffic violation, the license may be revoked, unless
the director grants an exemption pursuant to subdivision (f).
(E) An applicant and any other person specified in subdivision (b)
shall submit fingerprint images and related information to the
Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation,
through the Department of Justice, for a state and federal level
criminal offender record information search, in addition to the
search required by subdivision (a). If an applicant meets all other
conditions for licensure, except receipt of the Federal Bureau of
Investigation's criminal history information for the applicant and
persons listed in subdivision (b), the department may issue a license
if the applicant and each person described by subdivision (b) has
signed and submitted a statement that he or she has never been
convicted of a crime in the United States, other than a traffic
infraction as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section
42001 of the Vehicle Code. If, after licensure, the department
determines that the licensee or person specified in subdivision (b)
has a criminal record, the license may be revoked pursuant to Section
1569.50. The department may also suspend the license pending an
administrative hearing pursuant to Sections 1569.50 and 1569.51.
(b) In addition to the applicant, the provisions of this section
shall apply to criminal record clearances and exemptions for the
following persons:
(1) (A) Adults responsible for administration or direct
supervision of staff.
(B) Any person, other than a client, residing in the facility.
Residents of unlicensed independent senior housing facilities that
are located in contiguous buildings on the same property as a
residential care facility for the elderly shall be exempt from these
requirements.
(C) Any person who provides client assistance in dressing,
grooming, bathing, or personal hygiene. Any nurse assistant or home
health aide meeting the requirements of Section 1338.5 or 1736.6,
respectively, who is not employed, retained, or contracted by the
licensee, and who has been certified or recertified on or after July
1, 1998, shall be deemed to meet the criminal record clearance
requirements of this section. A certified nurse assistant and
certified home health aide who will be providing client assistance
and who falls under this exemption shall provide one copy of his or
her current certification, prior to providing care, to the
residential care facility for the elderly. The facility shall
maintain the copy of the certification on file as long as the care is
being provided by the certified nurse assistant or certified home
health aide at the facility. Nothing in this paragraph restricts the
right of the department to exclude a certified nurse assistant or
certified home health aide from a licensed residential care facility
for the elderly pursuant to Section 1569.58.
(D) Any staff person, volunteer, or employee who has contact with
the clients.
(E) If the applicant is a firm, partnership, association, or
corporation, the chief executive officer or other person serving in a
similar capacity.
(F) Additional officers of the governing body of the applicant or
other persons with a financial interest in the applicant, as
determined necessary by the department by regulation. The criteria
used in the development of these regulations shall be based on the
person's capability to exercise substantial influence over the
operation of the facility.
(2) The following persons are exempt from requirements applicable
under paragraph (1):
(A) A spouse, relative, significant other, or close friend of a
client shall be exempt if this person is visiting the client or
provides direct care and supervision to that client only.
(B) A volunteer to whom all of the following apply:
(i) The volunteer is at the facility during normal waking hours.
(ii) The volunteer is directly supervised by the licensee or a
facility employee with a criminal record clearance or exemption.
(iii) The volunteer spends no more than 16 hours per week at the
facility.
(iv) The volunteer does not provide clients with assistance in
dressing, grooming, bathing, or personal hygiene.
(v) The volunteer is not left alone with clients in care.
(C) A third-party contractor retained by the facility if the
contractor is not left alone with clients in care.
(D) A third-party contractor or other business professional
retained by a client and at the facility at the request or by
permission of that client. These individuals shall not be left alone
with other clients.
(E) Licensed or certified medical professionals are exempt from
fingerprint and criminal background check requirements imposed by
community care licensing. This exemption does not apply to a person
who is a community care facility licensee or an employee of the
facility.
(F) Employees of licensed home health agencies and members of
licensed hospice interdisciplinary teams who have contact with a
resident of a residential care facility at the request of the
resident or resident's legal decisionmaker are exempt from
fingerprint and criminal background check requirements imposed by
community care licensing. This exemption does not apply to a person
who is a community care facility licensee or an employee of the
facility.
(G) Clergy and other spiritual caregivers who are performing
services in common areas of the residential care facility, or who are
advising an individual resident at the request of, or with
permission of, the resident, are exempt from fingerprint and criminal
background check requirements imposed by community care licensing.
This exemption does not apply to a person who is a community care
facility licensee or an employee of the facility.
(H) Any person similar to those described in this subdivision, as
defined by the department in regulations.
(I) Nothing in this paragraph shall prevent a licensee from
requiring a criminal record clearance of any individual exempt from
the requirements of this section, provided that the individual has
client contact.
(c) (1) (A) Subsequent to initial licensure, a person specified in
subdivision (b) who is not exempted from fingerprinting shall obtain
either a criminal record clearance or an exemption, pursuant to
subdivision (f), from the State Department of Social Services prior
to employment, residence, or initial presence in a facility. A person
specified in subdivision (b) who is not exempt from fingerprinting
shall be fingerprinted and shall sign a declaration under penalty of
perjury regarding any prior criminal convictions. The licensee shall
submit these fingerprint images and related information to the
Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation,
through the Department of Justice, for a state and federal level
criminal offender record information search, or to comply with
paragraph (1) of subdivision (g) prior to the person's employment,
residence, or initial presence in the residential care facility for
the elderly.
(B) These fingerprint images and related information shall be
electronically transmitted in a manner approved by the State
Department of Social Services and the Department of Justice. A
licensee's failure to submit fingerprint images and related
information to the Department of Justice, or to comply with paragraph
(1) of subdivision (g), as required in this section, shall result in
the citation of a deficiency and an immediate assessment of civil
penalties in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100) per violation
per day for a maximum of five days, unless the violation is a second
or subsequent violation within a 12-month period in which case the
civil penalties shall be in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100)
per violation for a maximum of 30 days, and shall be grounds for
disciplining the licensee pursuant to Section 1569.50. The State
Department of Social Services may assess civil penalties for
continued violations as permitted by Section 1569.49. The licensee
shall then submit these fingerprint images to the State Department of
Social Services for processing. Documentation of the individual's
clearance or exemption shall be maintained by the licensee and be
available for inspection. The Department of Justice shall notify the
department, as required by Section 1522.04, and notify the licensee
by mail within 14 days of electronic transmission of the fingerprints
to the Department of Justice, if the person has no criminal record.
A violation of the regulations adopted pursuant to Section 1522.04
shall result in the citation of a deficiency and an immediate
assessment of civil penalties in the amount of one hundred dollars
($100) per violation per day for a maximum of five days, unless the
violation is a second or subsequent violation within a 12-month
period in which case the civil penalties shall be in the amount of
one hundred dollars ($100) per violation for a maximum of 30 days,
and shall be grounds for disciplining the licensee pursuant to
Section 1569.50. The department may assess civil penalties for
continued violations as permitted by Section 1569.49.
(2) Within 14 calendar days of the receipt of the fingerprint
images, the Department of Justice shall notify the State Department
of Social Services of the criminal record information, as provided
for in this subdivision. If no criminal record information has been
recorded, the Department of Justice shall provide the licensee and
the State Department of Social Services with a statement of that fact
within 14 calendar days of receipt of the fingerprint images. If new
fingerprint images are required for processing, the Department of
Justice shall, within 14 calendar days from the date of receipt of
the fingerprint images, notify the licensee that the fingerprint
images were illegible.
(3) Except for persons specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision
(b), the licensee shall endeavor to ascertain the previous employment
history of persons required to be fingerprinted under this
subdivision. If the State Department of Social Services determines,
on the basis of the fingerprint images submitted to the Department of
Justice, that the person has been convicted of a sex offense against
a minor, an offense specified in Section 243.4, 273a, 273ab,
273d, 273g, or 368 of the Penal Code, or a felony, the State
Department of Social Services shall notify the licensee in writing
within 15 calendar days of the receipt of the notification from the
Department of Justice to act immediately to terminate the person's
employment, remove the person from the residential care facility for
the elderly, or bar the person from entering the residential care
facility for the elderly. The State Department of Social Services may
subsequently grant an exemption pursuant to subdivision (f). If the
conviction was for another crime, except a minor traffic violation,
the licensee shall, upon notification by the State Department of
Social Services, act immediately to either (1) terminate the person's
employment, remove the person from the residential care facility for
the elderly, or bar the person from entering the residential care
facility for the elderly or (2) seek an exemption pursuant to
subdivision (f). The department shall determine if the person shall
be allowed to remain in the facility until a decision on the
exemption is rendered by the department. A licensee's failure to
comply with the department's prohibition of employment, contact with
clients, or presence in the facility as required by this paragraph
shall result in a citation of deficiency and an immediate assessment
of civil penalties by the department against the licensee, in the
amount of one hundred dollars ($100) per violation per day for a
maximum of five days, unless the violation is a second or subsequent
violation within a 12-month period in which case the civil penalties
shall be in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100) per violation
for a maximum of 30 days, and shall be grounds for disciplining the
licensee pursuant to Section 1569.50.
(4) The department may issue an exemption on its own motion
pursuant to subdivision (f) if the person's criminal history
indicates that the person is of good character based on the age,
seriousness, and frequency of the conviction or convictions. The
department, in consultation with interested parties, shall develop
regulations to establish the criteria to grant an exemption pursuant
to this paragraph.
(5) Concurrently with notifying the licensee pursuant to paragraph
(4), the department shall notify the affected individual of his or
her right to seek an exemption pursuant to subdivision (f). The
individual may seek an exemption only if the licensee terminates the
person's employment or removes the person from the facility after
receiving notice from the department pursuant to paragraph (4).
(d) (1) For purposes of this section or any other provision of
this chapter, a conviction means a plea or verdict of guilty or a
conviction following a plea of nolo contendere. Any action that the
department is permitted to take following the establishment of a
conviction may be taken when the time for appeal has elapsed, when
the judgment of conviction has been affirmed on appeal or when an
order granting probation is made suspending the imposition of the
sentence, notwithstanding a subsequent order pursuant to the
provisions of Sections 1203.4 and 1203.4a of the Penal Code
permitting a person to withdraw his or her plea of guilty and to
enter a plea of not guilty, or setting aside the verdict of guilty,
or dismissing the accusation, information, or indictment. For
purposes of this section or any other provision of this chapter, the
record of a conviction, or a copy thereof certified by the clerk of
the court or by a judge of the court in which the conviction
occurred, shall be conclusive evidence of the conviction. For
purposes of this section or any other provision of this chapter, the
arrest disposition report certified by the Department of Justice or
documents admissible in a criminal action pursuant to Section 969b of
the Penal Code shall be prima facie evidence of the conviction,
notwithstanding any other law prohibiting the admission of these
documents in a civil or administrative action.
(2) For purposes of this section or any other provision of this
chapter, the department shall consider criminal convictions from
another state or federal court as if the criminal offense was
committed in this state.
(e) (1) The State Department of Social Services shall not use a
record of arrest to deny, revoke, or terminate any application,
license, employment, or residence unless the department investigates
the incident and secures evidence, whether or not related to the
incident of arrest, that is admissible in an administrative hearing
to establish conduct by the person that may pose a risk to the health
and safety of any person who is or may become a client.
(2) The department shall not issue a criminal record clearance to
a person who has been arrested for any crime specified in Section 290
of the Penal Code, or for violating Section 245 , 273ab,
or 273.5, or subdivision (b) of Section 273a,
273a of the Penal Code, or, prior to January 1,
1994, paragraph (2) of Section 273a , of the Penal
Code, or for any crime for which the department is prohibited from
granting a record exemption pursuant to subdivision (f), prior to the
department's completion of an investigation pursuant to paragraph
(1).
(3) The State Department of Social Services is authorized to
obtain any arrest or conviction records or reports from any law
enforcement agency as necessary to the performance of its duties to
inspect, license, and investigate community care facilities and
individuals associated with a community care facility.
(f) (1) After review of the record, the director may grant an
exemption from disqualification for a license as specified in
paragraphs (1) and (4) of subdivision (a), or for employment,
residence, or presence in a residential care facility for the elderly
as specified in paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) of subdivision (c) if
the director has substantial and convincing evidence to support a
reasonable belief that the applicant and the person convicted of the
crime, if other than the applicant, are of such good character as to
justify issuance of the license or special permit or granting an
exemption for purposes of subdivision (c). However, an exemption
shall not be granted pursuant to this subdivision if the conviction
was for any of the following offenses:
(A) An offense specified in Section 220, 243.4, or 264.1,
subdivision (a) of Section 273a, or, prior to January 1, 1994,
paragraph (1) of Section 273a, Section 273ab, 273d, 288,
or 289, subdivision (c) of Section 290, or Section 368, of the Penal
Code, or was a conviction of another crime against an individual
specified in subdivision (c) of Section 667.5 of the Penal Code.
(B) A felony offense specified in Section 729 of the Business and
Professions Code or Section 206 or 215, subdivision (a) of Section
347, subdivision (b) of Section 417, or subdivision (a) of Section
451 of the Penal Code.
(2) The director shall notify in writing the licensee or the
applicant of his or her decision within 60 days of receipt of all
information from the applicant and other sources determined necessary
by the director for the rendering of a decision pursuant to this
subdivision.
(3) The department shall not prohibit a person from being
employed or having contact with clients in a facility on the basis
of a denied criminal record exemption request or arrest information
unless the department complies with the requirements of Section
1569.58.
(g) (1) For purposes of compliance with this section, the
department may permit an individual to transfer a current criminal
record clearance, as defined in subdivision (a), from one facility to
another, as long as the criminal record clearance has been processed
through a state licensing district office, and is being transferred
to another facility licensed by a state licensing district office.
The request shall be submitted in writing to the department, and
shall include a copy of the person's driver's license or valid
identification card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles, or a
valid photo identification issued by another state or the United
States government if the person is not a California resident. Upon
request of the licensee, who shall enclose a self-addressed stamped
envelope for this purpose, the department shall verify whether the
individual has a clearance that can be transferred.
(2) The State Department of Social Services shall hold criminal
record clearances in its active files for a minimum of two years
after an employee is no longer employed at a licensed facility in
order for the criminal record clearances to be transferred under this
section.
(h) If a licensee or facility is required by law to deny
employment or to terminate employment of any employee based on
written notification from the department that the employee has a
prior criminal conviction or is determined unsuitable for employment
under Section 1569.58, the licensee or facility shall not incur civil
liability or unemployment insurance liability as a result of that
denial or termination.
(i) Notwithstanding any other law, the department may provide an
individual with a copy of his or her state or federal level criminal
offender record information search response as provided to that
department by the Department of Justice if the department has denied
a criminal background clearance based on this information and the
individual makes a written request to the department for a copy
specifying an address to which it is to be sent. The state or federal
level criminal offender record information search response shall not
be modified or altered from its form or content as provided by the
Department of Justice and shall be provided to the address specified
by the individual in his or her written request. The department shall
retain a copy of the individual's written request and the response
and date provided.
SEC. 4. Section 1596.871 of the Health and
Safety Code is amended to read:
1596.871. The Legislature recognizes the need to generate timely
and accurate positive fingerprint identification of applicants as a
condition of issuing licenses, permits, or certificates of approval
for persons to operate or provide direct care services in a child
care center or family child care home. It is the intent of the
Legislature in enacting this section to require the fingerprints of
those individuals whose contact with child day care facility clients
may pose a risk to the children's health and safety. An individual
shall be required to obtain either a criminal record clearance or a
criminal record exemption from the State Department of Social
Services before his or her initial presence in a child day care
facility.
(a) (1) Before and, as applicable, subsequent to issuing a license
or special permit to any person to operate or manage a day care
facility, the department shall secure from an appropriate law
enforcement agency a criminal record to determine whether the
applicant or any other person specified in subdivision (b) has ever
been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation or
arrested for any crime specified in subdivision (c) of Section 290 of
the Penal Code, or for violating Section 245 or 273.5, subdivision
(b) of Section 273a, or, prior to January 1, 1994, paragraph (2) of
Section 273a, of the Penal Code, or for any crime for which the
department is prohibited from granting a criminal record exemption
pursuant to subdivision (f).
(2) The criminal history information shall include the full
criminal record, if any, of those persons, and subsequent arrest
information pursuant to Section 11105.2 of the Penal Code.
(3) Except during the 2003-04 to the 2014-15 fiscal years,
inclusive, neither the Department of Justice nor the department may
charge a fee for the fingerprinting of an applicant who will serve
six or fewer children or any family day care applicant for a license,
or for obtaining a criminal record of an applicant pursuant to this
section.
(4) The following shall apply to the criminal record information:
(A) If the State Department of Social Services finds that the
applicant or any other person specified in subdivision (b) has been
convicted of a crime, other than a minor traffic violation, the
application shall be denied, unless the director grants an exemption
pursuant to subdivision (f).
(B) If the State Department of Social Services finds that the
applicant, or any other person specified in subdivision (b), is
awaiting trial for a crime other than a minor traffic violation, the
State Department of Social Services may cease processing the criminal
record information until the conclusion of the trial.
(C) If no criminal record information has been recorded, the
Department of Justice shall provide the applicant and the State
Department of Social Services with a statement of that fact.
(D) If the State Department of Social Services finds after
licensure that the licensee, or any other person specified in
paragraph (2) of subdivision (b), has been convicted of a crime other
than a minor traffic violation, the license may be revoked, unless
the director grants an exemption pursuant to subdivision (f).
(E) An applicant and any other person specified in subdivision (b)
shall submit fingerprint images and related information to the
Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation,
through the Department of Justice, for a state and federal level
criminal offender record information search, in addition to the
search required by subdivision (a). If an applicant meets all other
conditions for licensure, except receipt of the Federal Bureau of
Investigation's criminal history information for the applicant and
persons listed in subdivision (b), the department may issue a license
if the applicant and each person described by subdivision (b) has
signed and submitted a statement that he or she has never been
convicted of a crime in the United States, other than a traffic
infraction as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section
42001 of the Vehicle Code. If, after licensure, the department
determines that the licensee or person specified in subdivision (b)
has a criminal record, the license may be revoked pursuant to Section
1596.885. The department may also suspend the license pending an
administrative hearing pursuant to Section 1596.886.
(b) (1) In addition to the applicant, this section shall be
applicable to criminal record clearances and exemptions for the
following persons:
(A) Adults responsible for administration or direct supervision of
staff.
(B) Any person, other than a child, residing in the facility.
(C) Any person who provides care and supervision to the children.
(D) Any staff person, volunteer, or employee who has contact with
the children.
(i) A volunteer providing time-limited specialized services shall
be exempt from the requirements of this subdivision if this person is
directly supervised by the licensee or a facility employee with a
criminal record clearance or exemption, the volunteer spends no more
than 16 hours per week at the facility, and the volunteer is not left
alone with children in care.
(ii) A student enrolled or participating at an accredited
educational institution shall be exempt from the requirements of this
subdivision if the student is directly supervised by the licensee or
a facility employee with a criminal record clearance or exemption,
the facility has an agreement with the educational institution
concerning the placement of the student, the student spends no more
than 16 hours per week at the facility, and the student is not left
alone with children in care.
(iii) A volunteer who is a relative, legal guardian, or foster
parent of a client in the facility shall be exempt from the
requirements of this subdivision.
(iv) A contracted repair person retained by the facility, if not
left alone with children in care, shall be exempt from the
requirements of this subdivision.
(v) Any person similar to those described in this subdivision, as
defined by the department in regulations.
(E) If the applicant is a firm, partnership, association, or
corporation, the chief executive officer, other person serving in
like capacity, or a person designated by the chief executive officer
as responsible for the operation of the facility, as designated by
the applicant agency.
(F) If the applicant is a local educational agency, the president
of the governing board, the school district superintendent, or a
person designated to administer the operation of the facility, as
designated by the local educational agency.
(G) Additional officers of the governing body of the applicant, or
other persons with a financial interest in the applicant, as
determined necessary by the department by regulation. The criteria
used in the development of these regulations shall be based on the
person's capability to exercise substantial influence over the
operation of the facility.
(H) This section does not apply to employees of child care and
development programs under contract with the State Department of
Education who have completed a criminal record clearance as part of
an application to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, and who
possess a current credential or permit issued by the commission,
including employees of child care and development programs that serve
both children subsidized under, and children not subsidized under, a
State Department of Education contract. The Commission on Teacher
Credentialing shall notify the department upon revocation of a
current credential or permit issued to an employee of a child care
and development program under contract with the State Department of
Education.
(I) This section does not apply to employees of a child care and
development program operated by a school district, county office of
education, or community college district under contract with the
State Department of Education who have completed a criminal record
clearance as a condition of employment. The school district, county
office of education, or community college district upon receiving
information that the status of an employee's criminal record
clearance has changed shall submit that information to the
department.
(2) Nothing in this subdivision shall prevent a licensee from
requiring a criminal record clearance of any individuals exempt from
the requirements under this subdivision.
(c) (1) (A) Subsequent to initial licensure, a person specified in
subdivision (b) who is not exempt from fingerprinting shall obtain
either a criminal record clearance or an exemption from
disqualification, pursuant to subdivision (f), from the State
Department of Social Services prior to employment, residence, or
initial presence in the facility. A person specified in subdivision
(b) who is not exempt from fingerprinting shall be fingerprinted and
shall sign a declaration under penalty of perjury regarding any prior
criminal convictions. The licensee shall submit fingerprint images
and related information to the Department of Justice and the Federal
Bureau of Investigation, through the Department of Justice, or to
comply with paragraph (1) of subdivision (h), prior to the person's
employment, residence, or initial presence in the child day care
facility.
(B) These fingerprint images for the purpose of obtaining a
permanent set of fingerprints shall be electronically submitted to
the Department of Justice in a manner approved by the State
Department of Social Services and to the Department of Justice, or to
comply with paragraph (1) of subdivision (h), as required in this
section, shall result in the citation of a deficiency, and an
immediate assessment of civil penalties in the amount of one hundred
dollars ($100) per violation per day for a maximum of five days,
unless the violation is a second or subsequent violation within a
12-month period in which case the civil penalties shall be in the
amount of one hundred dollars ($100) per violation for a maximum of
30 days, and shall be grounds for disciplining the licensee pursuant
to Section 1596.885 or 1596.886. The State Department of Social
Services may assess civil penalties for continued violations
permitted by Sections 1596.99 and 1597.62. The fingerprint images and
related information shall then be submitted to the department for
processing. Within 14 calendar days of the receipt of the fingerprint
images, the Department of Justice shall notify the State Department
of Social Services of the criminal record information, as provided in
this subdivision. If no criminal record information has been
recorded, the Department of Justice shall provide the licensee and
the State Department of Social Services with a statement of that fact
within 14 calendar days of receipt of the fingerprint images. If new
fingerprint images are required for processing, the Department of
Justice shall, within 14 calendar days from the date of receipt of
the fingerprint images, notify the licensee that the fingerprints
were illegible.
(C) Documentation of the individual's clearance or exemption shall
be maintained by the licensee, and shall be available for
inspection. When live-scan technology is operational, as defined in
Section 1522.04, the Department of Justice shall notify the
department, as required by that section, and notify the licensee by
mail within 14 days of electronic transmission of the fingerprints to
the Department of Justice, if the person has no criminal record. Any
violation of the regulations adopted pursuant to Section 1522.04
shall result in the citation of a deficiency and an immediate
assessment of civil penalties in the amount of one hundred dollars
($100) per violation per day for a maximum of five days, unless the
violation is a second or subsequent violation within a 12-month
period in which case the civil penalties shall be in the amount of
one hundred dollars ($100) per violation for a maximum of 30 days,
and shall be grounds for disciplining the licensee pursuant to
Section 1596.885 or 1596.886. The department may assess civil
penalties for continued violations, as permitted by Sections 1596.99
and 1597.62.
(2) Except for persons specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision
(b), the licensee shall endeavor to ascertain the previous employment
history of persons required to be fingerprinted under this
subdivision. If it is determined by the department, on the basis of
fingerprints submitted to the Department of Justice, that the person
has been convicted of a sex offense against a minor, an offense
specified in Section 243.4, 273a, 273d, 273g, or 368 of the Penal
Code, or a felony, the State Department of Social Services shall
notify the licensee to act immediately to terminate the person's
employment, remove the person from the child day care facility, or
bar the person from entering the child day care facility. The
department may subsequently grant an exemption pursuant to
subdivision (f). If the conviction was for another crime except a
minor traffic violation, the licensee shall, upon notification by the
State Department of Social Services, act immediately to either (1)
terminate the person's employment, remove the person from the child
day care facility, or bar the person from entering the child day care
facility; or (2) seek an exemption pursuant to subdivision (f). The
department shall determine if the person shall be allowed to remain
in the facility until a decision on the exemption is rendered. A
licensee's failure to comply with the department's prohibition of
employment, contact with clients, or presence in the facility as
required by this paragraph shall result in a citation of deficiency
and an immediate assessment of civil penalties by the department
against the licensee, in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100) per
violation per day for a maximum of five days, unless the violation
is a second or subsequent violation within a 12-month period in which
case the civil penalties shall be in the amount of one hundred
dollars ($100) per violation for a maximum of 30 days, and shall be
grounds for disciplining the licensee pursuant to Section 1596.885 or
1596.886.
(3) The department may issue an exemption on its own motion
pursuant to subdivision (f) if the person's criminal history
indicates that the person is of good character based on the age,
seriousness, and frequency of the conviction or convictions. The
department, in consultation with interested parties, shall develop
regulations to establish the criteria to grant an exemption pursuant
to this paragraph.
(4) Concurrently with notifying the licensee pursuant to paragraph
(3), the department shall notify the affected individual of his or
her right to seek an exemption pursuant to subdivision (f). The
individual may seek an exemption only if the licensee terminates the
person's employment or removes the person from the facility after
receiving notice from the department pursuant to paragraph (3).
(d) (1) For purposes of this section or any other provision of
this chapter, a conviction means a plea or verdict of guilty or a
conviction following a plea of nolo contendere. Any action that the
department is permitted to take following the establishment of a
conviction may be taken when the time for appeal has elapsed, when
the judgment of conviction has been affirmed on appeal, or when an
order granting probation is made suspending the imposition of
sentence, notwithstanding a subsequent order pursuant to Sections
1203.4 and 1203.4a of the Penal Code permitting the person to
withdraw his or her plea of guilty and to enter a plea of not guilty,
or setting aside the verdict of guilty, or dismissing the
accusation, information, or indictment. For purposes of this section
or any other provision of this chapter, the record of a conviction,
or a copy thereof certified by the clerk of the court or by a judge
of the court in which the conviction occurred, shall be conclusive
evidence of the conviction. For purposes of this section or any other
provision of this chapter, the arrest disposition report certified
by the Department of Justice, or documents admissible in a criminal
action pursuant to Section 969b of the Penal Code, shall be prima
facie evidence of conviction, notwithstanding any other law
prohibiting the admission of these documents in a civil or
administrative action.
(2) For purposes of this section or any other provision of this
chapter, the department shall consider criminal convictions from
another state or federal court as if the criminal offense was
committed in this state.
(e) (1) The State Department of Social Services shall not use a
record of arrest to deny, revoke, or terminate any application,
license, employment, or residence unless the department investigates
the incident and secures evidence, whether or not related to the
incident of arrest, that is admissible in an administrative hearing
to establish conduct by the person that may pose a risk to the health
and safety of any person who is or may become a client.
(2) The department shall not issue a criminal record clearance to
a person who has been arrested for any crime specified in Section 290
of the Penal Code, or for violating Section 245 or 273.5,
subdivision (b) of Section 273a, of the Penal Code, or, prior to
January 1, 1994, paragraph (2) of Section 273a, of the Penal Code, or
for any crime for which the department is prohibited from granting a
criminal record exemption pursuant to subdivision (f), prior to the
department's completion of an investigation pursuant to paragraph
(1).
(3) The State Department of Social Services is authorized to
obtain any arrest or conviction records or reports from any law
enforcement agency as necessary to the performance of its duties to
inspect, license, and investigate community care facilities and
individuals associated with a community care facility.
(f) (1) After review of the record, the director may grant an
exemption from disqualification for a license or special permit as
specified in paragraphs (1) and (4) of subdivision (a), or for
employment, residence, or presence in a child day care facility as
specified in paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) of subdivision (c) if the
director has substantial and convincing evidence to support a
reasonable belief that the applicant and the person convicted of the
crime, if other than the applicant, are of good character so as to
justify issuance of the license or special permit or granting an
exemption for purposes of subdivision (c). However, an exemption
shall not be granted pursuant to this subdivision if the conviction
was for any of the following offenses:
(A) An offense specified in Section 220, 243.4, or 264.1,
subdivision (a) of Section 273a, or, prior to January 1, 1994,
paragraph (1) of Section 273a, Section 273d, 288, or 289, subdivision
(c) of Section 290, or Section 368, of the Penal Code, or was a
conviction of another crime against an individual specified in
subdivision (c) of Section 667.5 of the Penal Code.
(B) A felony offense specified in Section 729 of the Business and
Professions Code or Section 206 or 215, subdivision (a) of Section
347, subdivision (b) of Section 417, or subdivision (a) or (b) of
Section 451 of the Penal Code.
(2) The department shall not prohibit a person from being employed
or having contact with clients in a facility on the basis of a
denied criminal record exemption request or arrest information unless
the department complies with the requirements of Section 1596.8897.
(g) Upon request of the licensee, who shall enclose a
self-addressed stamped postcard for this purpose, the Department of
Justice shall verify receipt of the fingerprint images.
(h) (1) For the purposes of compliance with this section, the
department may permit an individual to transfer a current criminal
record clearance, as defined in subdivision (a), from one facility to
another, as long as the criminal record clearance has been processed
through a state licensing district office, and is being transferred
to another facility licensed by a state licensing district office.
The request shall be in writing to the department, and shall include
a copy of the person's driver's license or valid identification card
issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles, or a valid photo
identification issued by another state or the United States
government if the person is not a California resident. Upon request
of the licensee, who shall enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
for this purpose, the department shall verify whether the individual
has a clearance that can be transferred.
(2) The State Department of Social Services shall hold criminal
record clearances in its active files for
a minimum of two years after an employee is no
longer employed at a licensed facility in order for the criminal
record clearances to be transferred.
(3) The following shall apply to a criminal record clearance or
exemption from the department or a county office with
department-delegated licensing authority:
(A) A county office with department-delegated licensing authority
may accept a clearance or exemption from the department.
(B) The department may accept a clearance or exemption from any
county office with department-delegated licensing authority.
(C) A county office with department-delegated licensing authority
may accept a clearance or exemption from any other county office with
department-delegated licensing authority.
(4) With respect to notifications issued by the Department of
Justice pursuant to Section 11105.2 of the Penal Code concerning an
individual whose criminal record clearance was originally processed
by the department or a county office with department-delegated
licensing authority, all of the following shall apply:
(A) The Department of Justice shall process a request from the
department or a county office with department-delegated licensing
authority to receive the notice, only if all of the following
conditions are met:
(i) The request shall be submitted to the Department of Justice by
the agency to be substituted to receive the notification.
(ii) The request shall be for the same applicant type as the type
for which the original clearance was obtained.
(iii) The request shall contain all prescribed data elements and
format protocols pursuant to a written agreement between the
department and the Department of Justice.
(B) (i) On or before January 7, 2005, the department shall notify
the Department of Justice of all county offices that have
department-delegated licensing authority.
(ii) The department shall notify the Department of Justice within
15 calendar days of the date on which a new county office receives
department-delegated licensing authority or a county's delegated
licensing authority is rescinded.
(C) The Department of Justice shall charge the department or a
county office with department-delegated licensing authority a fee for
each time a request to substitute the recipient agency is received
for purposes of this paragraph. This fee shall not exceed the cost of
providing the service.
(i) Notwithstanding any other law, the department may provide an
individual with a copy of his or her state or federal level criminal
offender record information search response as provided to that
department by the Department of Justice if the department has denied
a criminal background clearance based on this information and the
individual makes a written request to the department for a copy
specifying an address to which it is to be sent. The state or federal
level criminal offender record information search response shall not
be modified or altered from its form or content as provided by the
Department of Justice and shall be provided to the address specified
by the individual in his or her written request. The department shall
retain a copy of the individual's written request and the response
and date provided.
SEC. 4. Section 1596.871 of the Health
and Safety Code is amended to read:
1596.871. The Legislature recognizes the need to generate timely
and accurate positive fingerprint identification of applicants as a
condition of issuing licenses, permits, or certificates of approval
for persons to operate or provide direct care services in a child
care center or family child care home. It is the intent of the
Legislature in enacting this section to require the fingerprints of
those individuals whose contact with child day care facility clients
may pose a risk to the children's health and safety. An individual
shall be required to obtain either a criminal record clearance or a
criminal record exemption from the State Department of Social
Services before his or her initial presence in a child day care
facility.
(a) (1) Before and, as applicable, subsequent to
issuing a license or special permit to any person to operate or
manage a day care facility, the department shall secure from an
appropriate law enforcement agency a criminal record to determine
whether the applicant or any other person specified in subdivision
(b) has ever been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic
violation or arrested for any crime specified in subdivision (c) of
Section 290 of the Penal Code, or for violating Section
245 , 273ab, or 273.5, subdivision (b) of Section
273a 273a, or, prior to January 1, 1994,
paragraph (2) of Section 273a 273a, of
the Penal Code, or for any crime for which the department
cannot grant an exemption if the person was convicted and the person
has not been exonerated is prohibited from granting a
criminal record exemption pursuant to subdivision (f) .
(2) The criminal history information shall include the full
criminal record, if any, of those persons, and subsequent arrest
information pursuant to Section 11105.2 of the Penal Code.
(3) Except during the 2003-04 to the 2014-15 fiscal years,
inclusive, neither the Department of Justice nor the department may
charge a fee for the fingerprinting of an applicant who will serve
six or fewer children or any family day care applicant for a license,
or for obtaining a criminal record of an applicant pursuant to this
section.
(4) The following shall apply to the criminal record information:
(A) If the State Department of Social Services finds that the
applicant or any other person specified in subdivision (b) has been
convicted of a crime, other than a minor traffic violation, the
application shall be denied, unless the director grants an exemption
pursuant to subdivision (f).
(B) If the State Department of Social Services finds that the
applicant, or any other person specified in subdivision (b), is
awaiting trial for a crime other than a minor traffic violation, the
State Department of Social Services may cease processing the
application criminal record information until
the conclusion of the trial.
(C) If no criminal record information has been recorded, the
Department of Justice shall provide the applicant and the State
Department of Social Services with a statement of that fact.
(D) If the State Department of Social Services finds after
licensure that the licensee, or any other person specified in
paragraph (2) of subdivision (b), has been convicted of a crime other
than a minor traffic violation, the license may be revoked, unless
the director grants an exemption pursuant to subdivision (f).
(E) An applicant and any other person specified in subdivision (b)
shall submit fingerprint images and related information to the
Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation,
through the Department of Justice, for a state and federal level
criminal offender record information search, in addition to the
search required by subdivision (a). If an applicant meets all other
conditions for licensure, except receipt of the Federal Bureau of
Investigation's criminal history information for the applicant and
persons listed in subdivision (b), the department may issue a license
if the applicant and each person described by subdivision (b) has
signed and submitted a statement that he or she has never been
convicted of a crime in the United States, other than a traffic
infraction as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section
42001 of the Vehicle Code. If, after licensure, the department
determines that the licensee or person specified in subdivision (b)
has a criminal record, the license may be revoked pursuant to Section
1596.885. The department may also suspend the license pending an
administrative hearing pursuant to Section 1596.886.
(b) (1) In addition to the applicant, this section shall be
applicable to criminal convictions of record
clearances and exemptions for the following persons:
(A) Adults responsible for administration or direct supervision of
staff.
(B) Any person, other than a child, residing in the facility.
(C) Any person who provides care and supervision to the children.
(D) Any staff person, volunteer, or employee who has contact with
the children.
(i) A volunteer providing time-limited specialized services shall
be exempt from the requirements of this subdivision if this person is
directly supervised by the licensee or a facility employee with a
criminal record clearance or exemption, the volunteer spends no more
than 16 hours per week at the facility, and the volunteer is not left
alone with children in care.
(ii) A student enrolled or participating at an accredited
educational institution shall be exempt from the requirements of this
subdivision if the student is directly supervised by the licensee or
a facility employee with a criminal record clearance or exemption,
the facility has an agreement with the educational institution
concerning the placement of the student, the student spends no more
than 16 hours per week at the facility, and the student is not left
alone with children in care.
(iii) A volunteer who is a relative, legal guardian, or foster
parent of a client in the facility shall be exempt from the
requirements of this subdivision.
(iv) A contracted repair person retained by the facility, if not
left alone with children in care, shall be exempt from the
requirements of this subdivision.
(v) Any person similar to those described in this subdivision, as
defined by the department in regulations.
(E) If the applicant is a firm, partnership, association, or
corporation, the chief executive officer, other person serving in
like capacity, or a person designated by the chief executive officer
as responsible for the operation of the facility, as designated by
the applicant agency.
(F) If the applicant is a local educational agency, the president
of the governing board, the school district superintendent, or a
person designated to administer the operation of the facility, as
designated by the local educational agency.
(G) Additional officers of the governing body of the applicant, or
other persons with a financial interest in the applicant, as
determined necessary by the department by regulation. The criteria
used in the development of these regulations shall be based on the
person's capability to exercise substantial influence over the
operation of the facility.
(H) This section does not apply to employees of child care and
development programs under contract with the State Department of
Education who have completed a criminal record clearance as part of
an application to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, and who
possess a current credential or permit issued by the commission,
including employees of child care and development programs that serve
both children subsidized under, and children not subsidized under, a
State Department of Education contract. The Commission on Teacher
Credentialing shall notify the department upon revocation of a
current credential or permit issued to an employee of a child care
and development program under contract with the State Department of
Education.
(I) This section does not apply to employees of a child care and
development program operated by a school district, county office of
education, or community college district under contract with the
State Department of Education who have completed a criminal record
clearance as a condition of employment. The school district, county
office of education, or community college district upon receiving
information that the status of an employee's criminal record
clearance has changed shall submit that information to the
department.
(2) Nothing in this subdivision shall prevent a licensee from
requiring a criminal record clearance of any individuals exempt from
the requirements under this subdivision.
(c) (1) (A) Subsequent to initial licensure, any
a person specified in subdivision (b)
and who is not exempted
exempt from fingerprinting shall , as a condition to
obtain either a criminal record clearance or an
exemption from disqualification, pursuant to subdivision (f), from
the State Department of Social Services prior to employment,
residence, or presence in a child day care facility
initial presence in the facility. A person specified
in subdivision (b) who is not exempt from fingerprinting shall
be fingerprinted and shall sign a declaration under
penalty of perjury regarding any prior criminal conviction
convictions . The licensee shall submit
fingerprint images and related information to the Department of
Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, through the
Department of Justice, or comply with paragraph (1) of subdivision
(h), prior to the person's employment, residence, or initial presence
in the child day care facility.
(B) These fingerprint images and related information shall be
electronically submitted to the Department of Justice in a manner
approved by the State Department of Social Services and the
Department of Justice for the purpose of obtaining a permanent set of
fingerprints. A licensee's failure to submit fingerprint images and
related information to the Department of Justice or to comply with
paragraph (1) of subdivision (h), as required in this section, shall
result in the citation of a deficiency, and an immediate assessment
of civil penalties in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100) per
violation per day for a maximum of five days, unless the violation is
a second or subsequent violation within a 12-month period in which
case the civil penalties shall be in the amount of one hundred
dollars ($100) per violation for a maximum of 30 days, and shall be
grounds for disciplining the licensee pursuant to Section 1596.885 or
Section 1596.886. The State Department of Social
Services may assess civil penalties for repeated or continued
violations permitted by Sections 1596.99 and 1597.58. The fingerprint
images and related information shall then be submitted to the
department for processing. Within 14 calendar days of the receipt of
the fingerprint images, the Department of Justice shall notify the
State Department of Social Services of the criminal record
information, as provided in this subdivision. If no criminal record
information has been recorded, the Department of Justice shall
provide the licensee and the State Department of Social Services with
a statement of that fact within 14 calendar days of receipt of the
fingerprint images. If new fingerprint images are required for
processing, the Department of Justice shall, within 14 calendar days
from the date of receipt of the fingerprint images, notify the
licensee that the fingerprints were illegible.
(C) Documentation of the individual's clearance or exemption shall
be maintained by the licensee, and shall be available for
inspection. When live-scan technology is operational, as defined in
Section 1522.04, the Department of Justice shall notify the
department, as required by that section, and notify the licensee by
mail within 14 days of electronic transmission of the fingerprints to
the Department of Justice, if the person has no criminal record. Any
violation of the regulations adopted pursuant to Section 1522.04
shall result in the citation of a deficiency and an immediate
assessment of civil penalties in the amount of one hundred dollars
($100) per violation per day for a maximum of five days, unless the
violation is a second or subsequent violation within a 12-month
period in which case the civil penalties shall be in the amount of
one hundred dollars ($100) per violation for a maximum of 30 days,
and shall be grounds for disciplining the licensee pursuant to
Section 1596.885 or Section 1596.886. The
department may assess civil penalties for repeated or continued
violations, as permitted by Sections 1596.99 and 1597.58.
(2) Except for persons specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision
(b), the licensee shall endeavor to ascertain the previous employment
history of persons required to be fingerprinted under this
subdivision. If it is determined by the department, on the basis of
fingerprints submitted to the Department of Justice, that the person
has been convicted of a sex offense against a minor, an offense
specified in Section 243.4, 273a, 273ab, 273d, 273g, or
368 of the Penal Code, or a felony, the State Department of Social
Services shall notify the licensee to act immediately to terminate
the person's employment, remove the person from the child day care
facility, or bar the person from entering the child day care
facility. The department may subsequently grant an exemption pursuant
to subdivision (f). If the conviction was for another crime except a
minor traffic violation, the licensee shall, upon notification by
the State Department of Social Services, act immediately to either
(1) terminate the person's employment, remove the person from the
child day care facility, or bar the person from entering the child
day care facility; or (2) seek an exemption pursuant to subdivision
(f). The department shall determine if the person shall be allowed to
remain in the facility until a decision on the exemption is
rendered. A licensee's failure to comply with the department's
prohibition of employment, contact with clients, or presence in the
facility as required by this paragraph shall result in a citation of
deficiency and an immediate assessment of civil penalties by the
department against the licensee, in the amount of one hundred dollars
($100) per violation per day for a maximum of five days, unless the
violation is a second or subsequent violation within a 12-month
period in which case the civil penalties shall be in the amount of
one hundred dollars ($100) per violation for a maximum of 30 days,
and shall be grounds for disciplining the licensee pursuant to
Section 1596.885 or 1596.886.
(3) The department may issue an exemption on its own motion
pursuant to subdivision (f) if the person's criminal history
indicates that the person is of good character based on the age,
seriousness, and frequency of the conviction or convictions. The
department, in consultation with interested parties, shall develop
regulations to establish the criteria to grant an exemption pursuant
to this paragraph.
(4) Concurrently with notifying the licensee pursuant to paragraph
(3), the department shall notify the affected individual of his or
her right to seek an exemption pursuant to subdivision (f). The
individual may seek an exemption only if the licensee terminates the
person's employment or removes the person from the facility after
receiving notice from the department pursuant to paragraph (3).
(d) (1) For purposes of this section or any other provision of
this chapter, a conviction means a plea or verdict of guilty or a
conviction following a plea of nolo contendere. Any action that the
department is permitted to take following the establishment of a
conviction may be taken when the time for appeal has elapsed, when
the judgment of conviction has been affirmed on appeal, or when an
order granting probation is made suspending the imposition of
sentence, notwithstanding a subsequent order pursuant to Sections
1203.4 and 1203.4a of the Penal Code permitting the person to
withdraw his or her plea of guilty and to enter a plea of not guilty,
or setting aside the verdict of guilty, or dismissing the
accusation, information, or indictment. For purposes of this section
or any other provision of this chapter, the record of a conviction,
or a copy thereof certified by the clerk of the court or by a judge
of the court in which the conviction occurred, shall be conclusive
evidence of the conviction. For purposes of this section or any other
provision of this chapter, the arrest disposition report certified
by the Department of Justice, or documents admissible in a criminal
action pursuant to Section 969b of the Penal Code, shall be prima
facie evidence of conviction, notwithstanding any other
provision of law prohibiting the admission of these
documents in a civil or administrative action.
(2) For purposes of this section or any other provision of this
chapter, the department shall consider criminal convictions from
another state or federal court as if the criminal offense was
committed in this state.
(e) (1) The State Department of Social
Services may shall not use a record of
arrest to deny, revoke, or terminate any application, license,
employment, or residence unless the department investigates the
incident and secures evidence, whether or not related to the incident
of arrest, that is admissible in an administrative hearing to
establish conduct by the person that may pose a risk to the health
and safety of any person who is or may become a client. The
State Department of Social Services is authorized to obtain any
arrest or conviction records or reports from any law enforcement
agency as necessary to the performance of its duties to inspect,
license, and investigate community care facilities and individuals
associated with a community care facility.
(2) The department shall not issue a criminal record clearance to
a person who has been arrested for any crime specified in Section 290
of the Penal Code, or for violating Section 245, 273ab, or 273.5, or
subdivision (b) of Section 273a of the Penal Code, or, prior to
January 1, 1994, paragraph (2) of Section 273a of the Penal Code, or
for any crime for which the department is prohibited from granting a
criminal record exemption pursuant to subdivision (f), prior to the
department's completion of an investigation pursuant to paragraph
(1).
(3) The State Department of Social Services is authorized to
obtain any arrest or conviction records or reports from any law
enforcement agency as necessary to the performance of its duties to
inspect, license, and investigate community care facilities and
individuals associated with a community care facility.
(f) (1) After review of the record, the director may grant an
exemption from disqualification for a license or special permit as
specified in paragraphs (1) and (4) of subdivision (a), or for
employment, residence, or presence in a child day care facility as
specified in paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) of subdivision (c) if the
director has substantial and convincing evidence to support a
reasonable belief that the applicant and the person convicted of the
crime, if other than the applicant, are of good character so as to
justify issuance of the license or special permit or granting an
exemption for purposes of subdivision (c). However, an exemption
may shall not be granted pursuant to
this subdivision if the conviction was for any of the following
offenses:
(A) An offense specified in Section 220, 243.4, or 264.1,
subdivision (a) of Section 273a
273a, or, prior to January 1, 1994, paragraph (1) of Section
273a, Section 273ab, 273d, 288, or 289, subdivision (c) of
Section 290, or Section 368 368, of the
Penal Code, or was a conviction of another crime against an
individual specified in subdivision (c) of Section 667.5 of the Penal
Code.
(B) A felony offense specified in Section 729 of the Business and
Professions Code or Section 206 or 215, subdivision (a) of Section
347, subdivision (b) of Section 417, or subdivision (a) or (b) of
Section 451 of the Penal Code.
(2) The department may shall not
prohibit a person from being employed or having contact with clients
in a facility on the basis of a denied criminal record exemption
request or arrest information unless the department complies with the
requirements of Section 1596.8897.
(g) Upon request of the licensee, who shall enclose a
self-addressed stamped postcard for this purpose, the Department of
Justice shall verify receipt of the fingerprint images.
(h) (1) For the purposes of compliance with this section, the
department may permit an individual to transfer a current criminal
record clearance, as defined in subdivision (a), from one facility to
another, as long as the criminal record clearance has been processed
through a state licensing district office, and is being transferred
to another facility licensed by a state licensing district office.
The request shall be in writing to the department, and shall include
a copy of the person's driver's license or valid identification card
issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles, or a valid photo
identification issued by another state or the United States
government if the person is not a California resident. Upon request
of the licensee, who shall enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
for this purpose, the department shall verify whether the individual
has a clearance that can be transferred.
(2) The State Department of Social Services shall hold criminal
record clearances in its active files for a minimum of two years
after an employee is no longer employed at a licensed facility in
order for the criminal record clearances to be transferred.
(3) The following shall apply to a criminal record clearance or
exemption from the department or a county office with
department-delegated licensing authority:
(A) A county office with department-delegated licensing authority
may accept a clearance or exemption from the department.
(B) The department may accept a clearance or exemption from any
county office with department-delegated licensing authority.
(C) A county office with department-delegated licensing authority
may accept a clearance or exemption from any other county office with
department-delegated licensing authority.
(4) With respect to notifications issued by the Department of
Justice pursuant to Section 11105.2 of the Penal Code concerning an
individual whose criminal record clearance was originally processed
by the department or a county office with department-delegated
licensing authority, all of the following shall apply:
(A) The Department of Justice shall process
a request from the department or a county office with
department-delegated licensing authority to receive the notice, only
if all of the following conditions are met:
(i) The request shall be submitted to the Department of Justice by
the agency to be substituted to receive the notification.
(ii) The request shall be for the same applicant type as the type
for which the original clearance was obtained.
(iii) The request shall contain all prescribed data elements and
format protocols pursuant to a written agreement between the
department and the Department of Justice.
(B) (i) On or before January 7, 2005, the department shall notify
the Department of Justice of all county offices that have
department-delegated licensing authority.
(ii) The department shall notify the Department of Justice within
15 calendar days of the date on which a new county office receives
department-delegated licensing authority or a county's delegated
licensing authority is rescinded.
(C) The Department of Justice shall charge the department or a
county office with department-delegated licensing authority a fee for
each time a request to substitute the recipient agency is received
for purposes of this paragraph. This fee shall not exceed the cost of
providing the service.
(i) Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
the department may provide an individual with a copy of his or her
state or federal level criminal offender record information search
response as provided to that department by the Department of Justice
if the department has denied a criminal background clearance based on
this information and the individual makes a written request to the
department for a copy specifying an address to which it is to be
sent. The state or federal level criminal offender record information
search response shall not be modified or altered from its form or
content as provided by the Department of Justice and shall be
provided to the address specified by the individual in his or her
written request. The department shall retain a copy of the individual'
s written request and the response and date provided.