Community-Based Residential Facilities

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.

Community-based residential facilities (CBRF) are places where five or more unrelated people live together in a community setting. Services offered include room and board, supervision, and support services. It can include up to three hours of nursing care per week.

Finding and Choosing a CBRF

Contact us

For questions regarding CBRFs, contact the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL):

Email dhsdqaballicensing@dhs.wisconsin.gov
Call 608-266-8482

Regional offices

For compliance history, regulations, or complaints, contact your Bureau of Assisted Living Regional Office.

Regulation and enforcement action contacts

Cheryl Bott, cheryl.bott@dhs.wisconsin.gov, 608-266-2495

Cari Gast, cari.gast@dhs.wisconsin.gov, 920-360-9612

Fire reporting

All fires in a licensed facility in Wisconsin must be reported to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) within 72 hours. 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).