Facilities Serving People with Developmental Disabilities
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.
Facilities serving people with developmental disabilities (FDDs) are also federally known as intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF/IID). In addition to providing medical treatment and supervision, ICF/IIDs offer active treatment programming to help residents keep and improve their developmental, behavioral, and social skills.
These locations provide:
- Doing daily living activities.
- Getting an education.
- Having a job.
- Engaging in organized social activities.
Contact us
For questions regarding FDDs, contact the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA):
- Email dhswebmaildqa@dhs.wisconsin.gov
- Call 608-266-8481
Compliance history
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).