Background Screening SignUp/Info- Update Dec. 2025

Hi everyone,

I have finished my new round of fingerprints for the licensure renewal procedure (as well as joining the Counseling Compact if you are an LMHC and wish to do this.) I figured it would be helpful to go through how to exactly get this situated.

First up, the website that you use to actually do this: https://flhealthsource.gov/background-screening/

Select "Initiate a New Screening"

It will ask you to look on the CHAI portal. You will find that here: https://chai.flclearinghouse.com/Person/Search

Enter your SS, Last name, and DOB. If you have done an AHCA screening before, you may already have a profile. If you have not, then then you will have to create a CHAI profile.

If you are brand new to the CHAI system, it will have you sign a bunch of legal documents to get permission to do the Level 2. When it is asking for the referring agency, make sure to put the Florida Department of Health and then under division the Board of Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work, and Mental Health Counseling. Do NOT put AHCA or DCF.

If you have valid prints on file with AHCA then you may be able to retain them instead of having to do the whole thing again. See this page for more details: https://flhealthsource.gov/background.../bgs-renewalreqs/ .

You can adjust what departments get access to the Level 2 and fingerprints, but from what I'm hearing they only allow it if your prints are just a couple years old. Prints closer to expiring it seems they ask you to just do the above process.

If getting new fingerprints done, it will give you the option to schedule an appointment for a LiveScan finger printing either directly through the website or on your own with a certified LiveScan place (lots of UPS and Fed Ex places are. You can also usually do your local sheriff's office on specific days). It will give you a form with an ORI number that will connect everything together.

Take the Livescan Form (It is the SECOND PAGE with your Livescan Number on it, NOT just the page with your ORI number on it. Just bring the entire packet with you to the place) along with TWO valid forms of ID to the scheduled appointment. The papers you print out give you a list of what is okay. I used my DL and my passport.

Once your appointment for fingerprints is done, the CHAI system will switch to you having active prints on file (that's how you know the Level 2 is also done- they run it after they get the prints sent to them), if they were accepted into the system, and how long they are good for.

Once you get that confirmation, you are done! You can otherwise renew your license as typical.

LEGAL ISSUES ARISING WITH THE LEVEL 2:

The board has given some clarity in meetings, although not fully. We know that in general the level 2 requirement will act like this on renewal or licensure:

• If anything comes up on the level 2, board staff will cross reference what comes up with what has been reported in previous renewal apps or initial licensure apps. You can see what those looked like for you in your MQA if you don't know what you reported.

• If the issue popping up occurred within the last renewal cycle, they will expect it to be documented either in your renewal app (for issues not requiring reporting within the required timeframe). Remember, legally we have a requirement to self report to the board when found guilty or pleading guilty to certain types of judicial charges. See the admin codes for more on that.

• My best guess is the board will be following what DCF already does in their Affidavit of Good Moral Character: https://www.myflfamilies.com/.../Affidavit%20of%20Good... . I would use this as a basis when considering your options should a charge like these come up in the background check.

Hopefully this was helpful! If there's any questions, I will do my best to answer.