Hospitals: 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 hospitals. Publications are files or websites with additional information. Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) numbered memos are documents that deal with:
- Hospital policies.
- Guidelines for hospitals managed by DQA.
- Interpreting federal and state regulations.
Questions? Email dhswebmaildqa@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
Publications
Select a link to learn more:
- CMS (Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services) Program Manuals
- Medicare Benefit Policy Manual Chapter 1: Inpatient Hospital (PDF) - Find information on covered services.
- Medicare State Operations Manual (Appendix A Hospitals) (PDF) - Find guidance for surveyors.
- Guidelines for Victim Advocate Accompaniment During Hospital Exams and Consultations, P-01580 (PDF) - Information on Wisconsin's Victim Accompaniment law.
- Pharmacy Newscapsule - Newsletter published regularly by DQA.
- Security Issues in Psychiatric Treatment Facilities (Hospitals), P-01760 (PDF) - Find information about staffing levels and training in psychiatric treatment areas.
- Wisconsin Office of Rural Health - Information includes critical access hospital applications, area application materials, and miscellaneous background information.
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
To access memos from CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services), visit the CMS Policy & Memos website.
| Memo Number | Description | Issue Date | Attachments | Obsolete date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
25-001 |
Background Check Renewals for Entity Operators & Non-Client Residents | |||
|
21-004 |
DHS Requests Nursing Homes Join Hospitals in Wisconsin to Use the EMResource Bed Tracking System for Health Care Entities | |||
|
21-002 |
Notice and Requirements for Submitting Four-Year Renewal of Licensee Background Check Information | |||
|
21-001 |
CMS 1135 Waiver Provisions – Acute Hospital Care at Home Program | |||
|
20-002 |
CMS 1135 Waiver Provisions – Wisconsin Hospitals | |||
|
20-001 |
State Licensure Application for Temporary Expansion Locations during Public Health Emergency related to COVID-19 |