Pasco outlines transition to AHCA background‑screening clearinghouse; nearly 12,000 approved volunteers listed

Human resources staff described a multiyear transition to the state Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA) background‑screening clearinghouse that is scheduled to begin April 7, 2025 and finish by June 30, 2027.

HR staff reported that, as of the meeting, Pasco County Schools had 11,990 approved volunteers and about 1,732 volunteer applications pending, with an average turnaround of one to two weeks for pending applications. Staff said the district recently revised the definition of volunteers and visitors so some roles that do not handle money or supervise students are now visitors and do not require volunteer approval.

The clearinghouse will let agencies share background screenings across participating state agencies, HR staff said, reducing duplicate fingerprinting for applicants already in the system and lowering district processing costs for existing records. Staff listed seven agencies expected to participate and share screenings: the Agency for Healthcare Administration, Department of Health, Department of Children and Families, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Department of Elder Affairs, Department of Juvenile Justice and the Department of Education Vocational Rehabilitation.

Staff said the district will phase employees into the clearinghouse first and transition vendors and volunteers as their resubmission dates arrive. HR advised volunteers to consult the district FAQ and to contact HR with unresolved questions.