Personal Care Agencies (PCAs): PCA Forums
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.
The Personal Care Agency (PCA) Forum was facilitated by the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA), Bureau of Health Services (BHS). These forums are intended for professionals working in the personal care industry who would like more information on the following topics.
Past Personal Care Agency Forums
October 12, 2022, 1-3 p.m. forum recording
PCA application, regulation and survey process. Topics include:
- PCA Regulation Overview
- PCA Application Process
- Caregiver and Entity Background Checks
- Survey Readiness – Initial Surveys and Recertification
- Complaint Investigations
November 9, 2022, 1-3 p.m forum recording
Medicaid enrollment and electronic verification visit (EVV) requirements for PCAs. Topics include:
- Medicaid Application Process
- Medicaid Program and Policy Overview
- Role of the Office of the Inspector General (OIG)
- Electronic Verification Visit (EVV) Requirements