The Wisconsin Department of Health Services operates three centers for the developmentally disabled.
- Northern Wisconsin Center (Chippewa Falls)
- Central Wisconsin Center (Madison)
- Southern Wisconsin Center (Union Grove)
Client Rights Pamphlets
Client rights are explained in a pamphlet (P-20330) that is handed out upon admission. Each living unit also has a poster listing the rights of individuals.
Law and Code
- Wis. Stat. § 51.61 - Patient Rights
- Wis. Admin. Code ch. DHS 94 - Patient Rights and Resolution of Patient Grievances
- Wis. Admin. Code ch. DHS 134 - Facilities Serving People with Developmental Disabilities
These patients also have rights under federal law.
Grievance Procedure
Anyone receiving services from Northern Wisconsin Center, Central Wisconsin Center, and Southern Wisconsin Center or their parent or guardian can file a grievance if they feel any of these rights are being violated. They can file a complaint with the center's Client Rights Specialist or the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Quality Assurance (DQA), or both. Contact information for the center's Client Rights Specialist may be obtained by contacting the center.
There is a four-stage grievance resolution process (PDF, 12 KB) for centers operated by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Complaints of rights violations may also be taken directly to court. The use of the grievance procedure is not required before going to court, but a grievance can be dismissed at the level or stage it is being considered once the matter is taken to court.
Related Topics
- Client Rights Complaint Process
- Client Rights Limitation or Denial
- Confidentiality of Treatment Records
- Guardianship
- Informed Consent
- Minors
