Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to DSHS Facilities, Finance and Analytics Administration's Frequently Asked Questions! Below you may search by topics such as information for bidders and question about our Language Testing and Certification Program, and Background Checks.

What is BCCU's role?

BCCU processes background checks for DSHS authorized service providers and DSHS programs who serve vulnerable individuals across Washington State.  These background checks are specifically for applicants that provide direct care/services to these vulnerable individuals. 

BCCU runs the background checks through a centralized database collecting information from several sources:

  • Applicant self-disclosure

  • Department of Corrections

  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

  • Negative Actions from:

    • Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA), Resident and Client Protection Program

    • ALTSA/Adult Protective Services

    • Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), Child Protective Services

    • Department of Health

    • Out-of-state service provider and professional license status

  • Washington and other state court systems

  • Washington State Patrol (WSP)

  • Western Identification Network (WIN)

BCCU determines the type of result notification based on the criteria set by the DSHS program that oversees the background check activities; each program has a different criteria.   The results are provided to the authorized service providers and DSHS programs that requested the background check.  

BCCU does not make hiring or contracting decisions; BCCU collects and reports the information reported to us.   Hiring decisions are made by the authorized service provider or DSHS program.  The rules or protocols entities are expected to follow are based on the laws and rules of the DSHS oversight program and on their own internal policies procedures. 

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What information sources does BCCU search when they do a background check?

BCCU Background Check Data Sources

 

Data Source

Type of background check/condition for use

Washington State Patrol (WSP) WATCH
Criminal history records

All N/DOB checks & fingerprint checks

Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC)  Public Data Mart – Criminal history records

All N/DOB checks & fingerprint checks

WA State Adult Protective Services Findings

All N/DOB checks & fingerprint checks

WA State Residential Client Protection Program Findings

All N/DOB checks & fingerprint checks

WA State Child Protective Services Findings

All N/DOB checks & fingerprint checks

WA State Department of Health Findings

All N/DOB checks & fingerprint checks

Applicant Self-Disclosures

All N/DOB checks & fingerprint checks

Stored WSP & FBI fingerprint* record rap sheets & WIN state rap sheets

 

*unless prohibited by federal law

N/DOB checks & fingerprint checks that include an interim FP result/
when the applicant has had a previous fingerprint-based background check and criminal history records are reported

WA State Administrative Office of the Courts
Judicial Information System

N/DOB checks & fingerprint checks/when a crime or charge without disposition is reported by FBI, WSP or AOC needs additional research

WA State Department of Corrections (DOC)
Felony Offender Reporting System

N/DOB  checks & fingerprint checks/when a WSP rap sheet reports a DOC offender # for the subject individual

Washington State Patrol Fingerprint-based search

All fingerprint checks

Federal Bureau of Investigation Fingerprint-based search

All fingerprint checks

Western Identification Network (WIN) State Search  (WIN states = Alaska, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming)

When the WSP fingerprint result reports a hit from one or more WIN states, BCCU initiates a search from the state reporting a hit

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What is the current turnaround time on background checks?

Please refer to our Turnaround Times  page which is updated each business day.

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How can I find more information about the legal meaning of a violation or term reported by the Washington State Courts?

Research the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) or municipal code listed in the RCW/ Code column of the search result or use an internet search engine to research the legal term. BCCU staff cannot give you legal advice or interpret the meaning of legal terms.

You can access RCWs on the Washington State Legislature website. To find more information about a municipal code, go to the municipality website and search for the ordinance or code listed on the background check results. RCWs and Codes can change over time, make sure you research the code that was in effect at the time the violation occurred.

 

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How do I set up an account to do background checks through BCCU?

BCCU runs background checks for DSHS programs and authorized service providers who serve vulnerable adults, juveniles, and children.  At this time, BCCU does not conduct background checks for entities that are not licensed or contracted through DSHS.

If your entity does not currently use BCCU to run your background checks, but believe they should, please contact BCCU at bccuinquiry@dshs.wa.gov so that we can direct you to the appropriate program contact.

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How much does it cost to do background checks through BCCU?

Background checks are paid for by the DSHS administrations; they are not paid for by the entities or applicants.

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Why does BCCU have two working days to respond to me?

The call volume and staff availability affects our ability to respond to all phone and email inquiries. BCCU may be able to respond to your questions sooner than two working days.

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What information will a BCCU background check result show?

Background check results will include the following information:

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