End Stage Renal Disease
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.
End stage renal disease (ESRD) treatment facilities provide dialysis services for patients with ESRD:
- Outpatient maintenance dialysis.
- Home dialysis training and support.
- Both.
Finding and choosing an ESRD treatment facility
Contact us
For questions regarding ESRD treatment facilities, including complaints, regulations, and compliance history, contact the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) regional offices:
- Email dhswebmaildqa@dhs.wisconsin.gov
- Call 608-266-8481
Additional contacts
Compliance History
ESRD questions
Denise Balboa, denise.balboa@dhs.wisconsin.gov, 920-979-6437
Federal certification processing
Bureau of Health Services, 608-266-2702
Medicaid/Medicare certification
Lisa Imhof, lisa.imhof@dhs.wisconsin.gov, 608-266-2702
Nurse consultant
Valerie Dehline, valerie.dehline@dhs.wisconsin.gov, 715-348-3480
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).