About the Department of Health Services (DHS)

The Department of Health Services (DHS) is one of the largest state agencies in Wisconsin, with an annual budget of roughly $15 billion and more than 6,700 employees. DHS is committed to protecting and promoting the health and safety of the people of Wisconsin, making sure everyone can live their best life.

  • Acronym Glossary

    This glossary provides a quick reference to the terms, acronyms and abbreviations commonly used by this Department.

  • American Rescue Plan Act Funding for Wisconsin's Health

    President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) into law on March 11, 2021. It provides $1.9 trillion in economic stimulus to aid the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Business Opportunities with the Department of Health Services

    Learn about doing business with DHS through contract or grant opportunities.

  • Civil Rights: Compliance Information

    Learn about the role of the Civil Rights Compliance Office.

  • Client Rights Office

    The Client Rights Office works to protect the rights of people receiving services for a developmental disability, mental health, or substance use.

  • Contacts by Service Area

    A listing of programs and services DHS provides including staff contact information.

  • Divisions and Offices

    DHS has ten divisions and offices that work to protect and promote the health and safety of the people of Wisconsin.

  • Employee Information

    Employees can find instructions to access the DHS WorkWeb from anywhere. There are also links to STAR Employee Self-Service and Financials.

  • File a Complaint or Report Fraud

    File a complaint regarding care or services provided by an entity DHS regulates or report public assistance fraud.

  • Official DHS Forms Library

    Forms are available electronically and/or for paper order.

  • Governor Evers' Proposed 2025-2027 Budget

    Governor Tony Evers' budget invests in and supports a healthy Wisconsin.

  • HIPAA Overview

    Learn about HIPAA and a health care provider’s responsibilities under Administration Simplification provisions, as well as an individual’s privacy rights.

  • Memos Library

    Locate all memos issued by DHS.

  • News Releases: 2025

    DHS issues news releases to provide updates to the public about key programs, priorities, and public health conditions.

  • Newsletter Library

    Locate all newsletters produced by DHS.

  • Open Records: Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31 - 19.39

    Learn how to request DHS public records, as authorized under Wisconsin public records law, Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39.

  • Our Locations

    DHS has more than 6,700 employees operating in 15 offices, institutes, and facilities across the state of Wisconsin.

  • Informative Documents and Publications Library

    In our centralized library, you can find informative documents produced by DHS.

  • Service Areas

    DHS operates programs, provides care and services, and conducts business using a variety of different service area models and regions.

  • Statutorily Required Reports

    DHS is statutorily required to provide one-time, quarterly, annual, and biennial reports on behalf of the agency. DHS is required to provide these reports and information to the legislature and governor.

  • Statutory Boards, Committees, and Councils

    There are more than 20 department-related boards, committees, and councils that provide recommendations to the Governor or the Secretary.

  • Vision, Mission, and Values

    DHS guiding principles are fundamental in helping all staff provide programs and services to meet the needs of the people of Wisconsin.

  • Vital Records

    This site provides information about how to get vital records from the State of Wisconsin.

  • Work at DHS: Career Opportunities

    Looking for a job that makes an impact? At DHS, we’re here to serve. We employ over 6,700 workers across Wisconsin. We’d love to have you join our team.

Glossary

 
Last revised May 26, 2023