(a) Except as otherwise permitted in this article, the covered provider or covered contractor may not employ or engage an applicant prior to completing the background check process.
(b) If the applicant has a negative finding on any required prescreening registry or database, the employer shall notify the individual of such finding.
(c) If the applicant has a negative finding on any required prescreening registry or database, that individual may not immediately be engaged by a covered provider or covered contractor. However, that individual or the employer may apply for a variance pursuant to section five of this article.
(d) If the applicant does not have a negative finding in the prescreening process, the applicant shall submit to fingerprinting for a state and federal criminal history record information check.
(e) The State Police shall notify the secretary of the results of the criminal history record information check.
(f) If the secretary's review of the criminal history record information reveals that the applicant does not have a disqualifying offense, the secretary shall provide written notice to the covered provider or covered contractor that the individual may be engaged.