Background Checks
Employee and contractor background checks
Entities must complete background checks for any employees and contractors meeting the definition of a "caregiver" under Wis. Stat. § 50.065(1)(ag)1. Caregiver background checks are required at the time of hire, whenever there is a change in circumstances (such as arrest, conviction, government investigation, etc.), and at least every four years thereafter.
The following resources describe the process for obtaining caregiver background checks:
- Employees and Contractors Background Check Process
- Chapters 1 and 2 of the Wisconsin Caregiver Program Manual, P-00038 (PDF)
- Caregiver Background Check Documentation Requirements, P-03513 (PDF)
- Background Information Disclosure (BID), F-82064
- Offenses Affecting Caregiver Eligibility for Chapter 50 Programs, P-00274 (PDF)
- Criminal Convictions Requiring Notifications to Clients or Guardians, P-01364 (PDF)
Entity operator and non-client resident background checks
Entities must apply for background checks from the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) in the following circumstances:
- When an individual applies for regulatory approval (e.g., license, certification, registration) to operate an entity
- When an individual intends to reside in an entity facility and is not a client
- Within four years of the last background check or upon notification by the Department
The following resources describe the process for requesting these background checks from DQA:
- Entity Operator/Non-Client Resident Background Check Process
- Renewal Process for Existing Entity Operators/Non-Client Residents
- Chapter 3: Entity Operator and Non-Client Resident Background Check Process, Wisconsin Caregiver Program Manual, P-00038 (PDF)
Contact us
If you have questions about background checks, please email dhsdqabackgroundchecks@dhs.wisconsin.gov.