Facilities Serving People with Developmental Disabilities: Memos and Publications
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.
This page includes helpful resources related to facilities serving people with developmental disabilities (FDDs). Publications are files or websites with additional information. Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) numbered memos are documents that deal with:
- Policies for FDDs.
- Guidelines for FDDs managed by DQA.
- Information and interpretation of federal and state regulations.
Questions? Email dhswebmaildqa@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
Publications
Select a link to learn more.
- Informal Dispute Resolution for Nursing Homes and FDDs, P-01856 (PDF) - Find information on informally resolving differences with citations issued by DQA.
- Pharmacy Newscapsule - Newsletter published regularly by DQA.
- Resident Relocation Manual - Find information about Wisconsin laws related to relocating residents.
- Medicare State Operations Manual (Appendix J Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities) (PDF) - Find guidance for surveyors.
Memos
Memos from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS)
View our Memos Library to access a wealth of communications issued by DHS regarding policies and procedures and how they should be put into action.
DQA numbered memos
Select a link to view the memo. You can also view the list of all DQA Memos.
For an official paper copy of any numbered memo, email or write:
- Email dhswebmaildqa@dhs.wisconsin.gov
Mailing address
DQA Administrator's Office201 E. Washington Ave., Room E300Madison, WI 53703
| Memo Number | Description | Issue Date | Attachments | Obsolete date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
25-001 |
Background Check Renewals for Entity Operators & Non-Client Residents | |||
|
23-002 |
Fire Watch, Fire Plan, and Fire Reporting Update | |||
|
21-002 |
Notice and Requirements for Submitting Four-Year Renewal of Licensee Background Check Information |