Background Screening FAQs

Who can request WDH to complete a background screening?

• • Human resources personnel at a WDH-operated direct care facility
  • Supervisors for Public Health Nursing, Wyoming Public Health Laboratory, WIC or Vital Statistics Services
  • A HCBS waiver provider
  • HCBS waiver self-directed employer of record

Can I submit a background screening application through WDH for myself?

No. Only human resources personnel at a WDH direct care facility, Wyoming Public Health Laboratory, WIC or Vital Statistics Services supervisors or a HCBS waiver provider may submit applications for background screenings. If you are applying to be a direct service worker for a HCBS waiver participant, the application must be submitted by the employer of record.

What’s the difference between a Central Registry and DCI/FBI fingerprint application?

A Central Registry application confirms if a person has abused or neglected a child and the future risk to a child is high or intensive. The Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) makes the determination by information gathered from complaints, investigations and other credible information available to DFS.

A DCI/FBI fingerprint application is also known as a request for criminal history record information (CHRI). A CHRI contains the history of an individual’s contacts with the state’s law enforcement agencies. It describes an individual’s arrests (in all states) and subsequent dispositions.

Can I submit application(s) for either the Central Registry or DCI/FBI fingerprints separately?

No. HCBS DD providers, WDH direct care facilities, Wyoming Public Health Laboratory, WIC and Vital Statistics Services require both DCI/FBI fingerprints and a Central Registry review. To ensure both are complete, both applications are processed at the same time.  

How do I apply for a background check?

Mail or bring the completed application packet to:

Wyoming Department of Health

Attn:  Background Specialist

2300 Capitol Ave., 4th Floor

Cheyenne, WY  82002

The application packet must include the following:

1. The Background Submission Cover Sheet.   
   • Name of applicant
   • DOB
   • Soc Sec number
   • Email address of applicant
   • Applicant’s phone #
   • Provider’s name
   • Employer’s name ( DD Waiver or ACES$)
   • Employer’s email address
   • Employer’s phone number
2. 2 Fingerprint Cards
3. Payment of $49

Once WDH receives the packet;  an email will be sent to the applicant, with a link to an  electronic form.  The applicant must complete and submit the electronic form to initiate the background check with the Central Registry.  

Results are sent by secure email. Secure emails expire after 14 days. Be sure to check your email regularly, including your spam folder.

If an applicant quits after I submit an application but before I receive the results can I get a refund?

WDH will apply the application fee to another application ONLY IF WDH has not already processed the application.

What information is needed on the FBI/DCI fingerprint card (blue card)?

 Fingerprint Card Required Boxes PDF shows an example of a fingerprint card and numbers the boxes that are required to be filled out. The FBI-DCI Code List contains a complete list of codes for EYE, HAIR, POB (place of birth), and CTZ (citizenship).

How long will the review take?

On average, background screenings take approximately 16 days from submission. However, the process could take as long as 6 weeks.

How will I receive my results?

WDH sends the Notice of Results by secure email to the identified facility human resources personnel, Public Health Nursing supervisor or HCBS waiver provider by secure email. The Notice of Results for a HCBS Self Directed Waiver Program Direct Service Worker will be sent via email to the HCBS Waiver Employer of Record indicated on the request . Secure emails expire after 14 days, so please check email regularly. Notices sent to employers and supervisors, will only state whether or not the applicant meets the employment criteria and will not contain any details regarding the individual’s background information.

What is the criteria for a “Does Not Meet” determination?

Pursuant to Medicaid Rules and Regulations Ch. 45 Section 14, an individual does not meet the background screening requirements if: they are listed on the DFS Central Registry; they are listed on the Department of Health and Human Services Exclusions Database; or if a criminal history record check shows that the individual has been convicted, plead guilty or no contest to, or has pending deferred prosecution for an Offense Against the Person (Homicide, Assault, etc.), an Offense Against Morals, Decency and Family (Incest, Abandoning or Endangering Children, Protection Order Violation, etc.) or any similar law of any other state. All relevant offenses can be found in Wyoming Statute, Title 6, Chapters 4 and 6.

What if I want to appeal a determination that was made by the WDH?

The WDH provides 60 days from the Notice of Results for applicants to correct or complete their background information.   During that time, the applicant may request in writing that WDH reconsider the applicant’s eligibility for employment under the Wyoming State Statutes and applicable rules and regulations. 

Please submit a reconsideration request Attn: Background Systems Specialist by fax to (307)777-1902, by email to wdh.backgroundcheck@wyo.gov, or by mail to 2300 Capitol Ave, 4th Floor, Cheyenne, WY 82002.

Specific details regarding the criteria for employment and the process for appeals will be included with the applicant’s Notice of Results.