Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities: Memos, Publications, and Provider Resources
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 outpatient rehabilitation facilities. Publications are files or websites with additional information. Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) numbered memos are documents that deal with:
- Outpatient rehabilitation facility policies.
- Guidelines for outpatient rehabilitation facilities managed by DQA.
- Information and interpretation of federal and state regulations.
Questions? Email dhswebmaildqa@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
Publications
Select a link to learn more.
- Pharmacy Newscapsule - Newsletter published regularly by DQA.
- Survey Guide: Hospitals and Other Health Services Providers, P-62033 (PDF) - Find information on the survey process for hospitals and other health care providers in the state of Wisconsin.
Resources
Wisconsin resources
- Construction/Remodeling Plan Review for Health Care Facilities - Find information about the plan review process, including application forms.
- Diabetes Prevention & Control in Wisconsin - Learn more about diabetes and prevention programs.
- Do-Not-Resuscitate Information - Learn more about do-not-resuscitate orders and what they mean for health care professionals.
- Wisconsin Medicaid Information - The ForwardHealth portal will direct you to provider-specific Medicaid information.
- Wisconsin Tuberculosis Program - Learn more about tuberculosis in Wisconsin and how the state program identifies, treats, and stops the spread.
Federal resources
- CMS (Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services) Outpatient Rehabilitation Providers - Find basic information about being certified as a Medicare and/or Medicaid provider of outpatient therapy including links to applicable laws, regulations, and compliance information. See also Appendix E of the State Operations Manual (PDF).
- CMS Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities - Find basic information about being certified as a Medicare and/or Medicaid comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facility (CORF) provider including links to applicable laws, regulations, and compliance information. See also Appendix K of the State Operations Manual (PDF).
- Federal Resources - Find information about CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services), civil rights, the U.S. Department of Labor, and more.
- Wage and Hour Division Topical Fact Sheet Index - Find Fair Labor Standards Act information by topic from the U.S. Department of Labor. Topics include health care, nursing care facilities, nurses, home health care, overtime, and more.
Requirements
State reporting requirements
- Report Abuse, Neglect, or Misappropriation - Learn about reporting and timing requirements for any claims of abuse or neglect, or misappropriation of client property. This includes DQA-regulated providers and non-regulated providers.
Additional information
Seasonal information
- Cold Weather Safety - Learn more from the National Weather Service about staying safe in extreme, cold temperatures.
- Influenza Immunization Resources for Health Care Providers - Find information including patient education, how to prepare your office for flu season, and other resources to improve flu vaccination rates.
- Preventing Heat-Related Illness and Severe Weather Awareness - Use and share information about preventing heat-related illness and planning for power outages and severe weather.
- Winter Safety Measures for Health Care Providers - Learn more about different topics, such as hypothermia, and indoor and outdoor safety.
Safety and emergency preparedness
- Emergency Preparedness and Response - Find preparedness resources for health care facilities from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
- Health Emergency Preparedness and Response - Find information on Wisconsin's Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program.
- Safety in Health Care - Resources from DQA to help providers create a culture of safety, and guide staff on critical safety practices in health care facilities.
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 |