Wisconsin Healthcare-Associated Infections in Long-Term Care Coalition Members
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.
The Wisconsin Healthcare-Associated Infections in Long-Term Care Coalition works to reduce and prevent infections in Wisconsin nursing homes. Coalition members include:
- Long-term care providers.
- Nursing home administrators.
- Professional groups.
- University of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) staff.
Coalition members
- Penny Clary, LNHANursing Home Project SpecialistMetaStar, Inc
- Christopher Crnich, MD, PhDInfectious disease consultantUW-Madison School of Public Health
- Steve Ebert, PharmD, FCCP, FIDSADirector, Vaccines Field MedicalPfizer
- Lynne Fehrenbacher, PharmD, BCPS-AQ IDAssociate professor, Department of Pharmacy PracticeConcordia UW School of Pharmacy
- Connie Gliniecki, BSN, RNDirector of nursingMount View Care Center
- Kimberly Goffard, MBA/HCM, RNWisconsin HAI Prevention Program Manager, Bureau of Communicable Disease (BCD), Division of Public Health
- Paula Hardgrove, MD, MPHNursing home medical directorWI Association of Medical Directors
- Anmarie Kehoss, BSN, RNDirector of nursingCongregational Home
- Lori Koeppel, BSN, RN, NHA, DNS-CT, DON-CResearch AnalystUW Madison QID
- Anna Marciniak, MLS(ASCP), CIC, LTC-CIPInfection PreventionistWisconsin Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Prevention Program, Bureau of Communicable Disease (BCD), Division of Public Health
- Matthew Palmer, PharmD, CGPManager of Clinical OperationsPharMerica
- Michael Pulia, MD, PhDDirector of Emergency Medicine Antimicrobial StewardshipUW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health
- Dr Keshni Ramnanan, MD, FACP, CMD, CWSPChief Medical Officer, Oak Medical
- Karen Sautbine, MSN, RNReginal Director of Clinical ServicesEden Senior Care
- Lauren Snyder, BSN, RN, NHADirector of nursingVilla Maria Health & Rehab Center
- Angela Studnicka, PharmDDirector of pharmacyOakwood Lutheran Senior Ministries
Disclaimer about advisory council content
This content reflects the views and opinions of the advisory council. It may not reflect the official policy or position of DHS.