Community-Based Residential Facilities: Provider Resources
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.
Are you a provider for a community-based residential facility (CBRF)? If yes, this page has helpful resources to support you. Learn more:
Resources
Select a link to learn more.
Assisted living resources
- Approved CBRF Training Program - Learn about training for CBRFs required by state rules and regulations.
- Assisted Living Administrator's Training Course - Find criteria and qualifications for training courses for assisted living administration.
- Assisted Living Forum - Quarterly meeting to share best practices and keep you informed.
- Assisted Living Medication Management - Resources to address common medication issues.
- Assisted Living Resources - Learn more about resources for assisted living from the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).
- Assisted Living: Guidance for the use of Electronic Recording, Video Monitoring, or Filming Equipment - Learn more about guidance for use of electronic recording, video monitoring, or filming of tenants or residents.
- Assisted Living: Standards of Practice Resources - Find details on topics such as fall prevention, mental health, and pain.
- Assisted Living: Survey Guide - Learn about the different types of surveys and the survey process.
- Caregiver Programs - Learn more about caregiver programs, including background checks, feeding assistance, medication aides, and more.
- Community-Based Care and Treatment Training Registry - Find information on individuals who meet the criteria of state-mandated trainings for community settings.
- e-Renewal for Licenses and Certifications - Understand how to complete and submit reports for license and certification continuations online.
- e-SOD/e-POC Process - Learn more about the electronic process for statements of deficiencies and plans of correction.
- Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) for Pending, Licensed, and Certified Assisted Living Facilities - Understand regulations set by CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) related to Medicaid HCBS waivers.
- Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement in Assisted Living - Read about best practices, action steps for quality care programs, and more.
- Waivers, Approvals, Variances, and Exceptions: Assisted Living - Learn about procedures and requirements.
Wisconsin resources
- Clinical Laboratories - Learn about the different types of certificates a facility must have to perform laboratory testing.
- Developmental Disability Programs and Information - Find available resources and information about people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
- Diabetes Prevention & Control Program - Learn more about care guidelines and Wisconsin's strategic plan for diabetes prevention and control.
- Do-Not-Resuscitate Information - Learn more about do-not-resuscitate orders and what they mean for health care professionals.
- Falls Prevention for Older Adults - Learn about common injuries from falls and best practices for prevention.
- Programs and Services for Older Adults - Find resources and programs for aging adults in Wisconsin.
- Resident Relocation Manual - Find information about Wisconsin laws related to relocating residents.
- State Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse - Learn about this council's work and how they help Alcohol and other Drug Abuse issues in Wisconsin.
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute - Learn more about Alzheimer's services in Wisconsin.
- Wisconsin Economic Development - Learn more about starting a business in Wisconsin.
- Wisconsin Medicaid Information - The ForwardHealth portal will direct you to provider-specific Medicaid information.
- Wisconsin Tuberculosis Program - Learn more about tuberculosis in Wisconsin and how the state program identifies, treats, and stops the spread.
Federal resources
- Federal Resources - Find information about CMS, civil rights, the U.S. Department of Labor, and more.
- Medical Device Safety - Find up-to-date guidance from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration on adverse events and other problems with medical devices.
Requirements
State reporting requirements
Reporting a Client, Patient, or Resident Death - Learn about reporting requirements for programs or facilities when there is a death.
Additional information
Seasonal information
- Cold Weather Safety - Learn more from the National Weather Service about staying safe in extreme, cold temperatures.
- Influenza Immunization Resources for Health Care Providers - Find information including patient education, how to prepare your office for flu season, and other resources to improve flu vaccination rates.
- Preventing Heat-Related Illness and Severe Weather Awareness - Use and share information about preventing heat-related illness and planning for power outages and severe weather.
- Winter Safety Measures for Health Care Providers - Learn more about different topics, such as hypothermia and indoor and outdoor safety.
Safety and emergency preparedness
Emergency Preparedness for Long-Term Care and Assisted Living Facilities - Find preparedness resources for health care facilities from DQA.