Residential Care Apartment Complexes: Provider Resources

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 residential care apartment complex? If yes, this page has helpful resources to support you. Learn more:

Resources

Select a link to learn more

Assisted living resources

Assisted Living Forum - Quarterly meeting to share best practices and keep you informed.
Assisted Living Medication Management - Resources to address common medication issues.
Assisted Living Resources - Learn more about resources for assisted living from the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).
Assisted Living: Guidance for the use of Electronic Recording, Video Monitoring, or Filming Equipment - Learn more about guidance for use of electronic recording, video monitoring, or filming of tenants or residents.
Assisted Living: Survey Guide - Learn about the different types of surveys and the survey process.
Caregiver Programs - Learn more about caregiver programs, including background checks, feeding assistance, medication aides, and more.
Consumer Guide: Finding and Choosing an Assisted Living Facility - Access resources, directories, survey results, and more.
e-Renewal for Licenses and Certifications - Understand how to complete and submit reports for license and certification continuations online.
e-SOD/e-POC Process - Learn more about the electronic process for statements of deficiencies and plans of correction.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) for Pending, Licensed, and Certified Assisted Living Facilities - Understand regulations set by CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) related to Medicaid HCBS waivers.
Hospice-RCAC Interface, P-00315 (PDF) - Learn about care coordination guidelines for hospice patients residing in residential care apartment complexes.
Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement in Assisted Living - Read about best practices, action steps for quality care programs, and more.
Waivers, Approvals, Variances, and Exceptions: Assisted Living - Learn about procedures and requirements.

Wisconsin resources

Clinical Laboratories - Find information on alcohol and drug testing laboratories.
Construction/Remodeling Plan Review for Health Care Facilities - Find information about the plan review process, including application forms.
Diabetes Prevention & Control Program - Learn more about care guidelines and Wisconsin's strategic plan for diabetes prevention and control.
Do-Not-Resuscitate Information - Learn more about do-not-resuscitate orders and what they mean for health care professionals.
Falls Prevention for Older Adults - Learn more about injuries associated with unintentional falls and best practices for fall prevention.
Outbreaks in Wisconsin - Learn more about selected outbreaks, recalls, and investigations with wide impact in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Economic Development - Learn more about starting a business in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Tuberculosis Program - Learn more about tuberculosis in Wisconsin and how the state program identifies, treats, and stops the spread.

Federal resources

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

Reporting a Client, Patient, or Resident Death - Learn about reporting requirements for programs or facilities when there is a death.

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 illnesses. Learn how to plan 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).
Emergency Preparedness for Long Term Care and Assisted Living Facilities - Find preparedness resources for health care facilities from DQA.
Safety in Health Care - Resources from DQA to help providers create a culture of safety. Find ways to guide staff on critical safety practices in health care facilities.