Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals
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.
Hospitals provide 24-hour medical care for short-term illnesses and injuries.
Critical access hospitals provide care to people living in rural areas. This includes:
- Emergency care.
- Care for short-term illnesses.
- Help for people who need resources for rehabilitation or other care services after hospitalization.
Finding and choosing a hospital
Critical access hospital resources
Contact us
For questions about hospitals or critical access hospitals, contact the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA):
- Email dhswebmaildqa@dhs.wisconsin.gov
- Call 608-266-8481
Additional contacts
Compliance history
Nurse consultant, Wisconsin hospital rules and regulations
Valerie Dehline, valerie.dehline@dhs.wisconsin.gov, 715-348-3480
Pharmacy consultant
Douglas Englebert, douglas.englebert@dhs.wisconsin.gov, 608-266-5388
Life safety code (consultant)
David Soens, david.soens@dhs.wisconsin.gov, 608-220-0521
State licensure and Medicaid/Medicare certification
Thomas Rylander, thomas.rylander@dhs.wisconsin.gov, 608-266-7297
Swing bed (minimum data set or patient-driven payment model)
Heather Newton, dhsdqamdsoasis@dhs.wisconsin.gov
Survey inspection process
Denise Balboa, denise.balboa@dhs.wisconsin.gov, 920-979-6437
Sara Schmidt, sarajane.schmidt@dhs.wisconsin.gov, 608-261-6752
Transplant Programs
Transplant programs at hospitals provide people with organ transplants. Transplant programs are allowed only at hospitals with a Medicare provider agreement.
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).
Related topics
- DQA Email Subscription Service
- Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) Interim Guidance (PDF) memo from CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
- S&C 03-21 Adoption of New Fire Safety Requirements (PDF) and Federal Register Amended Fire Safety Standards, Final Rule (PDF) from CMS
- Survey Guide: Hospitals, Critical Access Hospitals, and Other Health Services Providers (PDF)