Personal Care Agencies: Rules and Regulations
New online licensure and certification system for health and residential care providers
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) is launching the DHS DQA Provider Portal, a new system for licensure, background checks, plan reviews, and other provider applications for assisted living facilities, adult day care centers, personal care agencies, and substance use and mental health treatment programs. Licensure/certification applications and plan review materials will not be accepted electronically or postmarked as of November 22, 2025, as we transition to the new system. We will accept applications and plan review materials starting December 15, 2025. Applications must be submitted using the DHS DQA Provider Portal. To prepare for this transition and for more information, visit our webpage.
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 personal care agency (PCA)? We're here to help. This page includes rules and regulations for operating a PCA in Wisconsin.
Regulatory guidelines
Select a link to learn more:
- Caregiver Programs - Learn more about caregiver programs, including background checks, feeding assistance, medication aides, and more.
- Covered Personal Care Services (Wis. Admin. Code § DHS 107.112) - Learn more about covered personal care services.
- Medical Assistance (Wis. Admin. Code §§ DHS 101-109) - Learn definitions, eligibility, covered services, and more.
- Personal Care Providers (Wis. Admin. Code § DHS 105.17) - Learn about the definitions, requirements, qualifications, and more for PCAs.
- Personal Care Services (Wis. Stat.§ 49.45(42)) - Learn about the fees and conditions for reimbursement for these services.
- Provider Rights and Responsibilities (Wis. Admin. Code § DHS 106) - Learn more about providing services, submitting claims for reimbursement, voluntary and involuntary termination from the program, and more.
Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) requirement
In response to the federal 21st Century Cures Act, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) requires EVV for:
- Medicaid-covered personal care services effective Sept. 1, 2020.
- Medicaid-covered home health services effective Jan. 1, 2023.
EVV is an electronic system that verifies authorized services were provided. Home care workers are required to submit information at the beginning and end of each visit using an EVV system.
Learn more about the EVV requirement.