Rural Health Clinics
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.
Rural health clinics are clinics located in rural areas with a shortage of health care professionals. Services often are provided by a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant. The services offered are similar to those received in a doctor's office.
Finding and choosing a rural health clinic
For acute care, learn more about Critical Access Hospitals.
Contact us
For questions regarding rural health clinics, contact the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA):
- Email dhswebmaildqa@dhs.wisconsin.gov
- Call 608-266-8481
Additional contacts
Compliance history
Medicaid/Medicare certification
Lisa Imhof, lisa.imhof@dhs.wisconsin.gov, 608-266-2702
Nurse consultant
Kelly Nelson, kelly.nelson@dhs.wisconsin.gov, 920-428-0096
Pharmacy consultant
Douglas Englebert, douglas.englebert@dhs.wisconsin.gov, 608-266-5388
Survey inspection process
Denise Balboa, denise.balboa@dhs.wisconsin.gov, 920-979-6437
Sara Schmidt, sarajane.schmidt@dhs.wisconsin.gov, 608-261-6752
Fire reporting
All fires in a licensed facility in Wisconsin must be reported to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) 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).