Substance Use Treatment Programs: Rules and Regulations
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.
Wisconsin Admin. Code ch. DHS 75 Community Substance Use Service Standards is in effect based on Wis. Stats. §§ 46.973(2)(c), 51.42(7), 51.45(8), and 51.45(9). It sets standards for services that apply to substance use treatment programs.
View a list of related rules and regulations. To request a waiver or variance, see Behavioral Health Waivers and Variances.
Wisconsin statutes
- Wisconsin Stat. ch. 51 State Alcohol, Drug Abuse, Development Disabilities, and Mental Health Act
- Wisconsin Stat. § 51.45 Prevention and Control of Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
Wisconsin administrative codes
- Wisconsin Admin. Code ch. DHS 12 Caregiver background checks
- Wisconsin Admin. Code ch. DHS 13 Reporting and investigation of caregiver misconduct
- Wisconsin Admin. Code ch. DHS 36 Comprehensive community services for persons with mental disorders and substance-use disorders
- Wisconsin Admin. Code ch. DHS 62 Assessment of drivers with alcohol or controlled substance problems
- Wisconsin Admin. Code ch. DHS 83 Community-based residential facilities
- Wisconsin Admin. Code ch. DHS 92 Confidentiality of treatment records
- Wisconsin Admin. Code ch. DHS 94 Patient rights and resolution of patient grievances