Background Check Program
Provider and employer access to fingerprint-based criminal history checks
Overview
The Background Check Program (BCP) ensures the health, safety, and welfare of people who are served by State of Alaska programs, administered by the Department of Health (DOH) or the Department of Family and Community Services (DFCS). The BCP accomplishes this by conducting criminal and civil history background checks for individuals associated with entities that are licensed by, certified by, approved by, or eligible to receive payments from DOH or DFCS.
The BCP identifies criminal and civil history barriers that may disqualify individuals from working with approved organizations. These barrier crimes and conditions are outlined in AS 47.05.300 – 47.05.390 and 7 AAC 10.900 – 7 AAC 10.990.
Who qualifies?
Entities
Entities must complete background checks through the BCP if they are:
- Licensed, certified, or approved by the Department of Health (DOH) or the Department of Family and Community Services (DFCS)
- Receiving payments from DOH or DFCS to provide services for the health, safety, and welfare of recipients of service
- Required by Alaska law (AS 47.05.300–47.05.390) and regulations (7 AAC 10.900–7 AAC 10.990)
Entities that fall under these categories are required to use the New Alaska Background Check System (NABCS).
Individuals
NABCS is not available to individual users. Participating entities must submit background check requests on behalf of individuals they wish to associate with. If you want to associate with a participating entity, please reach out to that entity directly to discuss background check requirements.
Public background check requests should be directed to the Department of Public Safety.
If you are unsure whether you or your employer are required to obtain a background check clearance through the BCP, please contact the Oversight Division relevant to the entity with which you are associated. The Oversight Division can help individuals and entities determine whether a background check through the BCP is required.
How to sign up
New entities should receive a BCP email upon the licensing or certification’s request to create the account. Once you have received it, please complete the New Provider User Registration Form and return it to the BCP. Once both steps have been completed, the entity will be granted access to their account and be able to enter applications for applicants.
How to use
Registering for a NABCS Provider Account
New entities must register for a NABCS Provider Account by completing the New Provider User Registration Form.
A complete background check application includes:
- Submitting a filled-out application form
- Paying required fees (non-refundable)
- Providing a fingerprint card, if applicable
Incomplete applications will not be processed and will be closed after 30 days. If an application is closed, a new application with full payment must be submitted.
Important: Any fees paid to the Background Check Program are non-refundable.
Mailing Fingerprint cards or payments
You may mail fingerprint cards and/or payment to the Background check Program at the following mailing address:
Background Check Program
4601 Business Park Blvd., Bldg. K
Anchorage, AK 99503
Entities who have been granted access to NABCS
- Use the Provider Portal to submit background check applications.
- Ensure to follow employment verification instructions and submit required documents.
- Ensure employees meet eligibility requirements before hiring.
Helpful Guides
These instructional guides and applications can be found under Related Resources at the bottom of the page Including the ones listed below:
- Provider User Guide – Instructions for using NABCS
- New Provider User Account Instructions - How to register for a new provider user account
- Employment Verification Instructions – How to confirm employee eligibility
- Barrier Matrix – List of crimes and conditions that disqualify employment
Need Help?
For technical issues with NABCS, contact the Background Check Program at 907-334-4475 or BCUnit@alaska.gov.
For questions about requirements, new provider accounts, or oversight, refer to the Division Oversight Agency Contact List, available on NABCS and in the Related Resources section below.