Q4_09-17-2018

8 MQA Q4 2017-2018 18 MQA’s Background Screening Unit (BGS) is one of the newer units within the Bureau of Operations, but the service they provide is invaluable in keeping the application and renewal processes operating efficiently. Whenever an applicant submits an application or renewal form and indicates that he or she has a criminal history, MQA staff must investigate further to help ensure the safety of the public by licensing only qualified applicants. Prior to October 2015, this was performed by staff from each individual board office, but since that time the Background Screening Unit has taken on the responsibility for all MQA professions. When the BGS assumed this responsibility, it inherited a backlog of files, and long wait times were commonplace. Since then, the unit has made great strides, and now prides itself on beginning research on applications the day they are received. Brandi Smith, a Senior Management Analyst II with the unit, says, “We have a great group, and we work together to identify improvements and root causes.” This strong emphasis on communication has allowed the team to pinpoint system issues that in the past caused computer errors. These errors affected nearly 45% of the applications that the unit processed, which could potentially cause delays in processing, thereby preventing applications from being processed. Due to the diligence of the Background Screening Unit, this number is now under 5%. This increase in speed and efficiency has also allowed for processing of a far greater number of files. BGS processed 2283 files in the first quarter of the 2017-2018 fiscal year. In the fourth quarter, BGS more than doubled that number to 5212. MQA is committed to efficiently licensing qualified applicants and protecting the citizens of Florida. The Background Screening Unit helps the division achieve both goals. I AM MQA Background Screening Unit (BGS)