Adult Family Homes
New online licensure and certification system for health and residential care providers
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) is launching the DHS DQA Provider Portal, a new system for licensure, background checks, plan reviews, and other provider applications for assisted living facilities, adult day care centers, personal care agencies, and substance use and mental health treatment programs. Licensure/certification applications and plan review materials will not be accepted electronically or postmarked as of November 22, 2025, as we transition to the new system. We will accept applications and plan review materials starting December 15, 2025. Applications must be submitted using the DHS DQA Provider Portal. To prepare for this transition and for more information, visit our webpage.
Background check applications for all users
To prepare for the transition to the new DHS DQA Provider Portal, the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) will not accept any new background check applications for entity operators, non-client residents, or other required individuals for new or renewing entity license/certification applications, or for rehabilitation review applicants as of November 22, 2025.
DQA will resume accepting background check applications on December 15, 2025, through the DHS DQA Provider Portal. To prepare for this transition and for more information, visit our webpage. Caregiver background checks completed by entities for employees and contractors are not affected by this transition.
An adult family home (AFH) is defined in Wis. Stat. § 50.01(1)(b) as a place where three or four adults who aren't related to the operator reside. They receive care, treatment, or services that are above the level of room and board. It may include up to seven hours per week of nursing care per resident.
Finding and Choosing an Adult Family Home
Contact us
For questions regarding AFHs, contact the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL):
- Email dhsdqaballicensing@dhs.wisconsin.gov
- Call 608-266-8482
Regional offices
Contact the Bureau of Assisted Living regional offices about:
- Regulations for adult family homes.
- Complaints about adult family homes.
- The compliance history of an adult family home.
Assisted Living Forum
The Assisted Living Forum brings together assisted living professionals in Wisconsin to discuss important issues and trends.
Assisted Living Survey Guide
DQA surveys assisted living facilities to review compliance with administrative codes, standards, and state statutes that apply to that facility. DQA also responds to complaints it receives against providers.
Opening an Adult Family Home
Please review the application process if you are interested in opening an adult family home.
Fire reporting
All fires in a licensed health or residential care facility in Wisconsin must be reported to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) within 72 hours (check specific rule requirements). To report a fire, complete and submit the Health Care Facility Fire Report, F-62500.
For questions regarding fire reporting, contact DQA Fire Authority:
- Email dhsdqaplanreview@dhs.wisconsin.gov
- Call 608-266-8016
Additional information is provided in DQA numbered memo 23-002 (PDF).
Related topics
- Interested in opening a one- to two-bed adult family home? Visit the on the Division of Medicaid Services (DMS) webpage on 1-2 Bed Adult Family Homes.
- Visit our webpage on Finding and Choosing an Assisted Living Facility to find the Consumer Guide to Health Care, including provider directories.
- Sign up to get updates through our DQA Email Subscription Service.