(1) The safety and security needs of the secure facility operated by the department of social and health services pursuant to RCW 71.09.060(1) make it vital that employees working in the facility meet necessary character, suitability, and competency qualifications. The secretary shall require a record check through the Washington state patrol criminal identification system under chapter 10.97 RCW and through the federal bureau of investigation. The record check must include a fingerprint check using a complete Washington state criminal identification fingerprint card. The criminal history record checks shall be at the expense of the department. The secretary shall use the information only in making the initial employment or engagement decision, except as provided in subsection (2) of this section. Further dissemination or use of the record is prohibited.

(2) This section applies to all current employees hired prior to June 6, 1996, who have not previously submitted to a department of social and health services criminal history records check. The secretary shall use the information only in determining whether the current employee meets the necessary character, suitability, and competency requirements for employment or engagement.