Adult Day Care Centers
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.
An adult day care center (ADCC) is defined in Wis. Admin. Code § DHS 105.14 as an entity that provides services for part of a day in a group setting to adults who need an enriched health, supportive or social experience. These adults may need help with activities of daily living, supervision, or protection.
Finding and choosing an adult day care center
Contact us
For questions regarding adult day care centers, contact the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA):
- Email dhsdqalccs@dhs.wisconsin.gov
- Call 608-266-7297
Additional contacts
Compliance history
Nurse consultant
Kelly Nelson, kelly.nelson@dhs.wisconsin.gov, 920-428-0096
State licensure and Medicaid/Medicare certification
Thomas Rylander, thomas.rylander@dhs.wisconsin.gov, 608-266-7297
Survey inspection process
Denise Balboa, denise.balboa@dhs.wisconsin.gov, 920-979-6437
Sara Schmidt, sarajane.schmidt@dhs.wisconsin.gov, 608-261-6752
Opening an Adult Day Care Center
Please review the application process if you are interested in opening an adult day care center.
Fire reporting
All fires in a licensed facility in Wisconsin must be reported to the Department of Health Services 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).
Additional reporting requirements
Adult Day Care Center Regulations require reporting of the following per Wis. Admin. Code § 105.14(2)(L).
- Participant's whereabouts are unknown.
- Law enforcement is called for an incident affecting an individual's health, safety, or welfare.
- An incident or accident that results in serious injury requiring hospital admission or emergency room treatment.
- A catastrophe causes structural damage.
- Anytime there is an evacuation or temporary relocation that results in changes in services.
- Certain deaths are also reportable per Wis. Admin. Code § 105.14(2)(k). See Death Reporting Requirements.
Submit Adult Day Care Center Self-Report, F-03145 (Word) to dhsdqabhsaccs@dhs.wisconsin.gov.