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LDOE clarifies background-check rules: fingerprint CBC and state central registry checks both required
Summary
LDOE staff reiterated that Louisiana requires both a fingerprint-based criminal background check and a State Central Registry check through DCFS's CAN system for school employment, explained when a 'clear credential' can be relied upon and warned that RAP Back notifications go to the Department, not automatically to local employers.
Paula Bell, a member of the Department of Education's credentialing team, told attendees the state requires two separate background checks for school employment and that the checks are not interchangeable.
"Louisiana law requires two separate background checks for individuals being hired by Louisiana school systems," Bell said, citing the statute referenced on the call as "Louisiana Revised Statute 1715." She explained that a fingerprint-based criminal background check is required for employment and that a separate State Central Registry check through DCFS's CAN system is needed to determine whether an individual has a substantiated finding of child abuse or neglect.
Bell also explained what the office calls a "clear credential" — a public notation that an educator has completed and cleared a fingerprint-based CBC for certification — and said public school systems may rely on that clearance under the statutory language cited during the call (referred to as "17:15B"). However, she cautioned that RAP Back notifications of later disqualifying criminal activity are sent only to the Department (LDOE), not automatically to employing school systems, and recommended that local districts consult legal counsel and governing boards about whether to require separate employment fingerprinting.
The Department pointed participants to supporting materials, including guidance documents and Bulletin 746 (section 1905), and provided an email for questions (educatorclearance@la.gov) and the teacher certification help portal for case-specific support.
Why it matters: school systems deciding whether to rely on an educator's existing certification clearance must weigh local policy preferences and risk tolerance because ongoing monitoring alerts (RAP Back) are routed to the Department rather than directly to local employers.
