Home Health Agencies: Rules and Regulations
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 home health agency (HHA)? We're here to help. This page includes rules and regulations for operating an HHA in Wisconsin.
Regulatory information
Select a link to learn more:
- Caregiver Programs - Read about the variety of programs in Wisconsin, as well as required background checks.
- HHA Statistics and Data - Find historical data reports for HHAs from Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), including home health citations and complaints.
- Wisconsin Admin. Code ch. DHS 133 - Learn more about Wisconsin administrative codes specific to HHAs.
- Licensing and Regulation of HHAs (Wis. Stat. § 50.49) - Read definitions and requirements for HHAs.
- Rights of Home Health Agency Patients, F-62601 (PDF) - Find details on patient rights.
- Waivers, Approvals, Variances, and Exceptions: Hospitals, Hospices, HHAs, or Personal Care Agencies - Learn about procedures and requirements.
Electronic visit verification (EVV) requirement
In response to the federal 21st Century Cures Act, DHS requires EVV for:
- Medicaid-covered personal care services.
- Medicaid-covered home health services (effective January 1, 2023).
EVV electronically verifies that HHAs provided authorized services. Home care workers must send information at the beginning and end of each visit using an EVV system.
Learn more about EVV.
Federal regulations
- Code of Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 484 Home Health Services - Learn about patient care, patient rights, and more for HHAs.
- HHA State Operations Manual Revisions: Appendix B, HHA Enforcement Guidance and revisions to Chapter 2, Certification Process - Find guidance from CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) on survey regulations for HHAs.
- Internet-Only Manuals - Find program issuances, day-to-day operating instructions, policies, and procedures from CMS.