EES Policy Memo 09-12-04

EES POLICY NO. 11-02-01	RE: Adult Protective Services This change is a result of changes to the process for requesting APS Adult Central Registry checks.
POLICY MEMO	Contact Person: Bessie L. Walker
FROM: Bobbi Mariani, Director, EES	KEESM Reference: KEESM 12400
DATE: February 8, 2011	Other:
Primary SRS Areas Affected: HR Registry Checks for APS	Where Posted on Web:http://content.srs.ks.gov/ees/KEESM/ Policy_Memo/policy_memo_list.htm

The purpose of this memo is to provide the field with information regarding changes in the way information requests are completed for the Adult Abuse Central Registry. These changes take place immediately and the changes will be reflected in the May 2011 KEESM manual revision.

Background Information:

Statute 65-6205 identifies agencies that may check the registry as part of a background employment check for potential employees. These agencies are: Community Service Providers as defined in K.S.A. 39-1803, Mental Health Centers as defined in K.S.A. 65-4432 and Independent Living Agencies as defined in K.S.A 65-5101.

Specific Policy Changes Necessary:

Effective on this date, for entities covered under K.S.A. 65-6205 a Request for Information may be completed and the request does not require a signature from the individual applying for employment. This change is reflected in EES form ES -1021a.

Individuals and agencies not identified in statute 65-6205 may submit a release of information for purposes of an employment background check using EES form ES – 1021.

This change does not impact the work performed by Adult Protective Services social workers.

KEESM Section 12400
Accessing Information for the Central Registry of Substantiated Perpetrators

The names of individuals listed in the registry are those on whom a substantiated finding has been made since July 1, 1997. No names are entered in the registry until due process for the perpetrator has been completed.

An agency identified in K.S.A. 65-6205 which provides services to adults age 18 or above may submit a request for information using ES-1021a. This request does not require a signature from the individual for which the inquiry is made.

Agencies not identified in K.S.A. 65-6205 may also conduct a background check on potential employees using the release of information form ES – 1021. This form needs to be signed by the person on whom the check is being completed.

The Registry is available to any individual who wishes to know if his/her name is on the registry. Individuals may submit a signed release of information to learn if their name is on the Adult Abuse Central Registry.

APS workers needing to verify a record for business reasons must do so with the permission of his/her supervisor. The designated staff in the Region responsible for placing names on the registry may verify a name per worker request, with supervisor approval.