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Home Divisions Health Improvement Caregivers Criminal History Screening Background Checks

Background Checks

Caregivers Criminal History Screening program is continuing to process background checks during the Public Health Emergency. If you have any questions call the Caregivers Criminal History Screening Program at (505) 476-0801

Health facilities and Medicaid Community based waiver provider have two options available to complete background checks.

Digital Fingerprints

Some GEMalto/Thales Group (formerly known as: Cogent Livescan fingerprinting service) locations are operating on a limited basis. You may want to reach out to a vender in your area for hours and availability.

In most cases, results provided within 3 days.

  • Place of employment will check applicants status of the Consolidated Online Employee Abuse Registry (COR).
  • If applicant is clear on the COR, the place of employment will send applicant to a livescan vendor.
  • Applicant needs to have the Fingerprint Authorization Form or “registration ID” and payment made to 3M Cogent in the amount of $73.30.
  • Results will be returned to NMDOH for processing.
  • NMDOH will notify applicant and employer once all documents are processed and if applicant is cleared or disqualified.

Paper Fingerprint Card Method

Care providers must submit a complete criminal history-screening packet for each caregiver for which they are requesting a national criminal history screening (background check).

Each packet requires, among other things:

  • Three (3) completed fingerprint cards.
  • Copy of governmental issued photograph identification (driver’s license or passport) that meet the requirements of the Immigration and Naturalization Act.
  • A signed authorization for release of information form including social security number.
  • Fee of $73.30 made payable to New Mexico Department of Health.
  • Please allow additional time up to 10 days for USPS mail to delivery your packet.

Rules and regulations set forth the requirements and procedures for submission of applicant and caregiver fingerprints, payment of fees, and administrative reconsideration for caregivers with prior conviction history. Fees are necessary, as this program does not receive general fund appropriations from the legislature.