Wisconsin's Caregiver Law requires background and criminal history checks of certain personnel who are responsible for the care, safety, and security of children and adults. The law also requires covered entities to investigate and report incidents of misconduct (abuse, neglect or misappropriation of property). The caregiver program applies to all caregivers, including nurse aides, who have access to clients in facilities regulated by the Department of Health Services, Division of Quality Assurance (DQA).
The Wisconsin Caregiver Program Manual, P-00038 (PDF) provides detailed information about the Caregiver Law as it relates to DQA regulated entities.
Potential Caregiver Misconduct
Components of the Caregiver Program
The Wisconsin Caregiver Program is implemented under Wis. Stat. §§ 50.065 and 146.40 and Wis. Admin. Code chs. DHS 12 and 13.
Wisconsin Caregiver Program, P-63141 (PDF)
Caregiver Background Checks
- The Caregiver Law, under Wis. Stat. § 50.065 requires regulated facilities/entities to complete caregiver background checks.
- Caregiver Background Check Process
- Wisconsin Caregiver Program: Background Checks, P-63159 (PDF)
- Department of Justice State Background Check and Contact Information
Caregiver Misconduct Reporting Requirements
- Caregiver Misconduct Reporting
- Caregiver Misconduct Training – Investigation and Prevention
- Flowchart of Entity Investigation and Reporting Requirements Worksheet, F-00161A (PDF)
Caregiver Misconduct Registry and Rehabilitation Review
Additional Resources
Contact Us
- For questions regarding the Wisconsin Caregiver Program, email DHSCaregiverIntake@wisconsin.gov.
- Wisconsin Caregiver Program Resources, P-00121 (PDF) provides additional contact information.