Background Screening Information

Utah law requires the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services (BEMS) to exclude individuals from EMS licensure who may pose an unacceptable risk to public health and safety, as indicated by an applicant’s history. BEMS conducts a background screening on all EMS Professional license applicants, which includes an FBI background screening.

After an applicant has submitted their EMS Professional application and paid their fees, BEMS will send an electronic LiveScan document to their BEMS account at emslicense.utah.gov. Steps for Background Screening:

Print your LiveScan Authorization form (DACS Form). This form is located in the Documents area on the left-hand side of your account at emslicense.utah.gov. You must have this form on hand to get your fingerprints done. It is recommended to use a computer to print your form.
- Under My Account > Documents, the file will be saved as DACS Form.
Check for inaccuracies or ‘unknown’ information on the form. If there are any errors or the form is expired, please email clearance-ems@utah.gov. The Bureau of EMS will then fix any issues on your DACS form.
Find an approved LiveScan facility. A list of approved LiveScan facilities in Utah is attached.
- For out-of-state applicants: Please send hard copy prints and the DACS form to:
  DEPT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
  ATTN: EMS
  PO BOX 141775
  SALT LAKE CITY UT 84114-1775
Ensure the LiveScan facility inputs the OAC/Agency Code. These codes will report your background directly to the Bureau of EMS; there is no need to send us the signed form. The OAC/Agency code is in the Applicant Information section of the form.
- NOTE: Most approved LiveScan locations require an appointment.

For questions or concerns regarding the background screening process, you can call (801) 273-6666 option 2 or email clearance-ems@utah.gov.

—–Frequently Asked Questions—–

If your question cannot be answered with the following information, please email EMS Background Processing at clearance-EMS@utah.gov. Sending your questions will help us serve the public more effectively.

Q. How do I know which offenses on my record will prevent me from becoming licensed as an EMS Professional?

A. Please refer to Utah Administrative Rule R-911-5-1200, “Background Screening Clearance for EMS Certification” (6), (i) for categories that will cause your license to be automatically denied.

Q. Will speeding tickets hinder my efforts at becoming a state licensed EMT?

A. No.

Q. Do I need to report arrests, charges, convictions, plea in abeyance, etc.?

A. An applicant or currently licensed EMS personnel are required to notify the BEMS in writing within seven days of the initial offense. Notification is required upon the arrest/charge. In other words, don’t wait to see whether you are convicted before notifying the BEMS. Use the “Individual Self-Report Form” found at the bottom of this page.

Q. Can I find out before my class starts if my background screening is approved?

A. No, we do not do pre-course background screenings. However, you can pay for a separate background screening through the Bureau of Criminal Investigations.

—–Report a Criminal Offense—–

Utah Administrative Rule R911-5-1300 requires criminal offenses by licensed EMS personnel to be reported:

A licensed EMS individual who has been arrested, charged, or convicted shall notify the bureau and all employers or affiliated entities who utilize the EMS individual’s license within 7 business days. The licensed EMS individual shall also notify the bureau of all entities they work for or are affiliated with.
All licensed or designated EMS providers who are notified or become aware of a licensed EMS individual arrest, charge or conviction shall notify the Department within 7 business days. Reports must be submitted in writing. The attached form may be used to report the arrest, charge, or conviction of licensed EMS personnel.

Utilize the appropriate form below to submit a criminal offense report and email it to clearance-EMS@utah.gov

Individual Self Report Form

Agency Report Form