Medical Licensing and Certification: Rural Health Clinic

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.

In Wisconsin, rural health clinics that are part of Medicare or Medicaid must be certified.

Type

Original

Description

A rural health clinic certification is for a clinic that’s in a remote area with a shortage of health care providers. You can often get the same services at a rural health clinic as a doctor’s office. A nurse practitioner or physician assistant usually provides the services.

Instructions

For requirements and an application packet, either:

Glossary

 
Last revised August 15, 2025