What is ORCHARDS
ORCHARDS is the Oregon Criminal History and Abuse Records Data System. It provides a portal for submitting background checks and receiving fitness determination results. Oregon started using ORCHARDS in July of 2020. ORCHARDS was developed on behalf of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for the National Background Check Program (NBCP). The system is used by 27 states and U.S. territories that participate in the NBCP.
System updates
We continually make updates and customize ORCHARDS for use in Oregon. After you log in, you will see updates and current news on the home page.
Sign up for updates
Who can use ORCHARDS
Only qualified entities can submit background checks in ORCHARDS. This includes:
- Oregon Department Human Services (ODHS) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA).
- Businesses regulated by ODHS or OHA.
- Businesses not regulated by the state that meet criteria to use the BCU Clearinghouse. These are businesses that serve youth, older adults or people with disabilities.
Training for system users
Applicant disclosure portal
- The applicant completing a background check is called a subject individuals
(SI). To ensure privacy, the SI logs in to a special applicant portal to authorize BCU to do the background check and make any disclosures.
- The SI needs an email account to log into the portal. Our
Applicant FAQ page gives information on how an applicant can set up an email if they don't have one.