Division of Quality Assurance: Requests for Information
The Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) is responsible for licensing and regulation of providers, facilities, and programs that provide health, long-term care, mental health, and substance use disorder services. This webpage provides information regarding requests for information pertaining to DQA-regulated providers.
Most requested information
The most requested information is called a Statement of Deficiency (SOD). A SOD is the official survey report containing the results of a DQA survey inspection and/or complaint investigation of a provider. SODs of most DQA-regulated providers and programs are available online using Provider Search at no cost to the public. Another often requested record is called a Plan of Correction (POC). A POC is a provider's response to the alleged violations in the SOD. A three-year history of SODs and POCs is available for most provider types on Provider Search.
Below are other commonly requested records maintained by DQA. This listing is not exclusive, and any requests for records will be considered by the DQA records team.
Common records requests
- Copies of the complaint intake and investigation report - Report document written by DQA surveyors providing specifics on what records were reviewed or investigation activities the surveyors performed, and the conclusions drawn
- Surveyor packet - Could include medical records, records provided by the facilities, etc.
Licensure/certification records can include, but are not limited to:
- Application materials
- License certificates and license continuation documentation
- Facility policies
- Physical plant documents
Different provider types require different licensure materials.
DQA receives reports of incident, allegation, or suspected occurrence of abuse, neglect or misappropriation of client property. Records may include investigations and findings of reports.
Visit Background Check and Misconduct Investigation to learn more about requirements for entity background checks. Visit Report Abuse, Neglect, or Misappropriation to learn more about misconduct reporting requirements.
Health care facilities must submit construction project plan reviews to DQA. Records may include plan approval applications and supporting materials.
Provider information requests (state release)
Provider types
DQA is the release authority for information pertaining to the providers listed below:
- Adult day care centers
- Adult family homes
- Community-based residential facilities
- Facilities serving people with development disabilities and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities
- Mental health treatment programs
- Pain clinics
- Personal care agencies
- Residential care apartment complexes
- Substance use disorder treatment programs
Requesting information
No official form is needed to make a request for information maintained by DQA. To make a request, contact DQA:
- Email
dhsdqarecordsrequest@dhs.wisconsin.gov (opens external email) - Call 608-264-7748
Mailing address
DHS Division of Quality AssuranceATTN: Information RequestPO Box 2969Madison, WI 53701-2969
Requests for information that contain personally identifying, personal health, and other types of confidential information must be accompanied with legally documented authorization. Without proper authorization, information requests may contain redactions.
Provider information requests (federal release)
The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is the release authority for information pertaining to the providers listed below.
- Ambulatory surgical centers
- Clinical laboratories (CLIA)
- End stage renal dialysis units
- Home health agencies
- Hospices
- Hospitals, including swing bed hospitals and critical access hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Outpatient rehabilitation and speech therapy programs
Requesting information
The CMS FOIA
To submit a FOIA request:
- Complete an online Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
request (opens external link) - Contact the CMS Chicago Regional office at
chicagosogfoia@cms.hhs.gov (opens external email)