Background studies safeguard children, vulnerable adults and those who receive health care and human services. People who have direct contact or access to vulnerable adults and children in their role as volunteers, employees or caretakers must have a Department of Human Services (DHS) background study that complies with state and federal requirements. People who are disqualified can request reconsideration.
Disqualifications are based on criminal, maltreatment, or other records. The full list of disqualifications and how long they last can be found in Minn. Stat. § 245C.15. This law defines the acts that disqualify a person from working in certain programs or having access to people served. People who are disqualified can request reconsideration.
Most background study determinations are made 24-48 hours after the full study is submitted, including fingerprinting and photographing. In some cases, DHS needs more time to complete the study. A summary of the background study process can be found in the Background Studies Overview (PDF).
Study subjects receive a notice by U.S. Postal Service mail. Entities receive electronic notices of background study determinations. People with cleared background studies may begin providing direct contact services immediately. DHS sends a notice to people who are disqualified informing them of their status and their right to request reconsideration.
Currently, there are very few situations where disqualification information is public data. As of 7/1/2024, all disqualification information will be considered private data. Minn. Stat. § 245C.031
Background studies safeguard children, vulnerable adults and those who receive health care and human services. People who have direct contact or access to vulnerable adults and children in their role as volunteers, employees or caretakers must have a Department of Human Services (DHS) background study that complies with state and federal requirements. People who are disqualified can request reconsideration.