Construction Project Plan Review for Health Care Facilities: Health Care Built Environment Conference and Committee
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.
Upgraded commercial building code took effect September 1
The Department of Health Services (DHS) will accept plans submitted under the current (2015) code through the month of October.
Starting November 1, all commercial health care building plans submitted to DHS for approval must meet the standards set in the upgraded 2021 Commercial Building Code.
Any supplemental sub-submissions to DHS, such as fire suppression/alarm, HVAC, etc., must be aligned with the code under which the commercial building plan was approved, regardless of how many months later they follow.
Please see the Department of Safety and Professional Services Wisconsin DSPS Provides Extension to Building Professionals (PDF) for more information.
The Health Care Built Environment conference brings together leaders in health care facility design, construction, and operations. The conference provides helpful information for:
- Health care facility owners and managers.
- Designers.
- Builders.
- Government officials.
- Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) life safety code surveyors.
We gather feedback from all stakeholders. We use this insight to plan the next conference.
The Health Care Built Environment Committee
The Health Care Built Environment Committee was established in 2016. The committee hosts discussions about health care facility construction. The goal is to highlight Wisconsin as a leader in environments focused on health, safety, and wellbeing.
The committee includes people from:
- Health care.
- Design.
- Construction.
- Government agencies.
The Health Care Built Environment Committee meets quarterly. They discuss rules, regulations, and building challenges.
Contact your professional organization to verify participation.