Background Checks

Caregiver background checks

Entities must complete background checks for any employees and contractors meeting the definition of a "caregiver" under Wis. Stat. § 50.065(1)(ag)1. Caregiver background checks are required at the time of hire, whenever there is a change in circumstances (such as arrest, conviction, government investigation, etc.), 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)
• Caregiver Background Check Documentation Requirements, P-03513 (PDF)
• Background Information Disclosure (BID), F-82064
• Offenses Affecting Caregiver Eligibility for Chapter 50 Programs, P-00274 (PDF)
• Criminal Convictions Requiring Notifications to Clients or Guardians, P-01364 (PDF)

Entity operator and non-client resident background checks

Treatment providers must apply for background checks from the Department of Health Services (DHS) in the following circumstances:

• When an individual applies for regulatory approval (e.g., license, certification, registration) to operate an entity
• When an individual intends to reside in an entity facility and is not a client
• Within four years of the last background check or upon notification by the Department

The following resources describe the process for requesting these background checks from the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA):

• Entity Operator/Non-Client Resident Background Check Process
• Renewal Process for Existing Entity Operators/Non-Client Residents
• Chapter 3: Entity Operator and Non-Client Resident Background Check Process, Wisconsin Caregiver Program Manual, P-00038 (PDF)

Contact us

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