Weeks ahead of the opening of acceptance of medical marijuana facility applications in Missouri, applicants are awaiting an identification number (PIN) from the Federal Bureau of Investigation to direct background check searches.
Per the Missouri Automated Criminal History System (MACHS) website, “entities eligible to receive FBI background check information are provided a registration number to provide to their applicants. The use of this number ensures that the correct type of background check is conducted while at the same time ensuring that the completed response is returned to the correct agency in a timely manner.”
A representative of the Department of Health and Human Services Medical Marijuana Division said the division is hoping to receive the PIN in the coming weeks, before applications can be submitted. Applications and rules ask that fingerprints be submitted to the Missouri State Highway Patrol at the time of application. Results will be sent to DHSS, not applicants.
Program rules state applications must include:
(J) A statement confirming that all owners who hold any portion of the economic or voting interest of the facility who will also have access to medical marijuana or the medical marijuana facility, and all officers, directors, board members, managers, and employees identified in the application, have submitted fingerprints within the previous six (6) months for a state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background check to be conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Once the PIN is released, applicants can schedule an appointment at an IDEMIA location for electronic fingerprinting and will be provided notification that the fingerprints have been submitted. The awaited PIN is needed by applicants to submit fingerprints for background checks to verify facility applicants are not disqualified from being part of a medical marijuana facility.
At a fingerprint appointment, applicants will be required to present one form of valid government issued photo ID. The fingerprint technician will verify the ID and proceed to capture a photo and fingerprints electronically via a live scan device. At the conclusion of the appointment, applicants will be presented with a printed receipt containing your unique Transaction Control Number (TCN). Completed background check responses will be mailed to DHSS within ten business days from the date applicants were fingerprinted. All officers, directors, board members, managers, and employees identified in the application must be fingerprinted.
IDEMIA processes electronically submitted fingerprints from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Once the federal government provides the PIN, applying facility owners must be fingerprinted with IDEMIA, the state’s vendor for electronic fingerprinting services.
“As the state vendor, IDEMIA can electronically submit your fingerprints to the Missouri State Highway Patrol thus greatly expediting the background check process,” reads the MACHS frequently asked questions. “In addition, IDEMIA operates numerous fingerprint services sites across the State of Missouri that provide this service.”
Out-of-state applicants may mail fingerprint cards to IDEMIA for processing. More information about this can be found at the
MACHS website.
