Dear License Holders,
During this state and national emergency our agency has been fielding a number of questions. Please understand that our agency is working to do what we can to remove any unnecessary hurdles that may prevent license holders from performing their services. That being said, it is not an easy task and it requires several levels of authorization. In the meantime, in order to keep everyone informed to the best of our ability please review the following information. Keep in mind that as this is a very fluid situation and anything can change.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING COVID-19
Are we Essential Workers?
- The US Department of Homeland Security: Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency recently published a guidance on identification of essential critical infrastructure workers during COVID-19 response. Please be advised that this is a resource, and not a binding document for each state working on new policy to accommodate the current pandemic. You can find the document here: Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response
- The MN State Department of Employment and Economic Development also has a resource to view a Critical Businesses List, as well as a Definitions document for MN workers. Again, this is not a binding document, rather a resource to help in decision-making.
Receiving Documentation:
As most staff is working remotely, and mail may be delayed, if possible please scan and email any and all documentation, including for applications, renewals, officer changes, insurance and bond forms, training approvals, etc. Below is a list of the email addresses to use.
Background checks:
At this time, the fingerprinting and background check functions of the BCA remain functional. Please see below an update on fingerprinting services. Background check functions will still be functioning at a limited capacity. License holders requesting background checks to be completed with fingerprint cards already complete, may mail the request and payment to the BCA. At this time, we cannot speak to the time frame of the FBI background checks, as we are unaware of how this is impacting their operating system.
Training Issues:
As an agency, we are supportive of the decision to practice social distancing. However, we do need authorization from the Board before any approvals like this are made, and we are currently working on this matter. If you are looking for alternatives that are not currently certified please complete the “Continuing Education Training Application” which can be found here: https://dps.mn.gov/entity/pdb/Pages/forms.aspx
Please be advised that we do have approved training providers who offer online preassignment and continuing education courses. You can find in this spreadsheet, online courses including preassignment and continuing education so that everyone can meet training requirements.
Applications, Renewals, and Officer Changes:
Our agency will continue to work on processing applications, renewals and officer changes as usual. Shall any of these processes be affected by the cancelation of a Board meeting, or some other unforeseen situation, agency staff will contact you and provide further information upon the Board’s decision.
General Administrative Tasks:
All general administrative tasks such as address changes, insurance certificates, bonds, etc. will continue to the best of our ability.
In Person Meetings:
IMPORTANT LINKS
Executive Orders:
There are currently several Executive Orders made by Governor Tim Walz regarding COVID-19. Please refer to the website below to keep updated on all current Orders.
Executive Orders: https://www.leg.state.mn.us/lrl/execorders/eoresults?gov=44&title=&number=&ft=
