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Division of Quality Assurance (DQA)

The Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) is responsible for protecting and promoting the health, safety, and welfare of residents living and receiving care in the health and residential care facilities regulated by the Division. DQA is responsible for regulating and licensing more than 40 different programs and facilities that provide health, long-term care, mental health and substance use services, as well as conducting caregiver background checks and investigations.

Programs and Services within the Division of Quality Assurance

Complaints about Health or Residential Care in Wisconsin

If any individual believes that a caregiver or DQA regulated health care provider has violated State or Federal laws, that individual has the right to file a complaint with DQA. The Bureaus of Health Services, Assisted Living, and Nursing Home Resident Care are responsible for conducting complaint investigations of health and residential care facilities.

Regulation of Health and Residential Care Providers

The Bureaus of Health Services, Assisted Living, and Nursing Home Resident Care are responsible for the licensing, certification and registration activities for Wisconsin’s health and residential care providers. DQA’s oversight also includes unannounced monitoring and compliance surveys for certain facility types.

DQA Post Survey Questionnaire for health care providers to complete.

Construction/Remodeling of Health Care Facilities

The Office of Plan Review and Inspections (OPRI) determines if health care facilities regulated by DQA meet the physical environment standards of the State Building Code, State Licensure Code and Federal Life Safety Code requirements. Evaluation is accomplished through plan review, construction inspection, or survey related activities.

Nursing Home Grant Program

DQA recommends allocation of funds to nursing home stakeholders to develop and implement projects and programs designed to improve the quality of care and quality of life for residents living in Wisconsin nursing homes.

Wisconsin Nurse Aide Training and Registry Information

The Bureau of Education Services and Technology administers the federal and state requirements for nurse aide training, the competency evaluation program and the federal nurse aide registry.

Background Check and Misconduct Investigation Program

The Office of Caregiver Quality administers the Background Check and Misconduct Investigation Program. This program promotes public confidence in Department-approved treatment providers by implementing a system of statutory protections for individuals receiving care in Wisconsin. Protections include minimum standards for eligibility to obtain department approval to operate treatment programs/facilities, to reside in treatment facilities as a non-client, or to work in roles with regular and direct client contact. The program also establishes streamlined processes for both public and provider-based reporting of intentional abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of client property by employees and contractors. Individuals with substantiated findings of misconduct are listed on the Wisconsin Misconduct Registry and may apply for rehabilitation approval.

Provider Search

The Provider Search tool provides an easy and fast method for consumers and their families to locate and find compliance information about health and residential care providers in Wisconsin that are regulated by DQA.

Consumer Guide to Health Care and Directories of Health and Residential Care Providers

DQA maintains statewide and county-by-county directories that consumers can use to find and choose health and residential care providers in Wisconsin. In addition, there is information available about the compliance history of individual residential care facilities.

Drug Repository Program

Patients may donate unused or discontinued medications and supplies to a participating pharmacy or medical facility. Those items will be given to individuals with cancer or chronic disease that do not have insurance or are underinsured.

Email Subscription Service

The DQA Email Subscription Service provides you with the opportunity to sign up and receive electronic notification of information related to the more than 40 entities licensed and regulated by DQA.

Division of Quality Assurance

PO Box 2969
Madison, WI 53701-2969
608-266-8481

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Learn more about DQA Bureaus and Offices

Return to List of Divisions

Last revised September 28, 2023