Background Check Requirements

Caregiver Background Checks

Entities must complete these background checks for any of their employees and contractors meeting the definition of a "caregiver" under Wis. Stat. § 50.065(1)(ag)1. These caregiver background checks are required at the time of hire and at least every four years thereafter.

The following resources describe the process for obtaining caregiver background checks:

• Employees and Contractors Background Check Process
• Chapters 1 and 2 of the Wisconsin Caregiver Program Manual, P-00038 (PDF)

Entity Background Checks

Wisconsin treatment providers that meet the definition of an "entity" under Wis. Stat. § 50.065(1)(c), must request an "entity" background check from DQA in the following circumstances:

• When an individual applies for initial approval (license, certification, registration) to operate an entity
• Upon notice from the Department during four year renewals
• When an entity allows an individual who is not a client, nor an employee, to reside in an entity facility

The following resources describe the process for requesting these background checks from DQA:

• New Applicant/Non-Client Resident Background Check Process – DQA must complete a background check for persons who have, or are seeking, a license, certification, registration, or certificate of approval issued or granted by the Department to operate an entity and for any person who is a non-client resident or prospective non-client resident of an entity.

  Note: This includes existing entity operators who are seeking approval to open a new entity.

• Renewal Process for Existing Entity Operators/Non-Client Residents – DQA must complete a background check on all existing entity operators and non-client residents every four years.
• Chapter 3 of the Wisconsin Caregiver Program Manual, P-00038 (PDF)

Evaluating Background Check Results

Background check results must be reviewed for any offenses affecting eligibility (PDF). Detailed information about reviewing background check results can be found in the Wisconsin Background Check and Misconduct Investigation Program Manual, P-00038 (PDF). The Wisconsin Department of Justice has additional information on how to read a criminal record.

Contact Us

If you have questions about either background check process, please email the Office of Caregiver Quality.