Nursing Homes: Forms, Memos and Publications
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.
This page includes forms and other helpful resources related to nursing homes. Publications are files or websites with additional information. Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) numbered memos are documents that deal with:
- Nursing home policies.
- Guidelines for nursing homes managed by DQA.
- Information and interpretation of federal and state regulations.
Questions? Email dhswebmaildqa@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
Forms
If a nursing home resident needs a psychotropic medication, guidelines must be followed to get informed consent. Learn more:
- Informed Consent for Psychotropic Medications for Nursing Home Residents
- Informed Consent for Nursing Home Residents: Frequently Asked Questions
- Informed Consent Form Instructions for Nursing Homes
Find forms at Informed Consent for Medications F-24277 Series.
Preadmission screen and resident review
If a person being admitted may have a serious mental illness or developmental disability, a special screening is required. The preadmission Level II Screen must be completed before admission. In some cases, a short-term exemption may be granted. Contact dhswebmaildqa@dhs.wisconsin.gov for a copy of the screening tool.
Publications
- Avoiding Physical Restraints, P-63113 (PDF)
- Consumer Guide: Consumer Information Reports for Nursing Homes and Facilities for People with Developmental Disabilities - Access consumer reports, resources, directories, survey results, and more.
- Consumer Guide to Health Care: Finding and Choosing a Nursing Home - Find directories and survey results.
- Hospice – Nursing Home Interface, P-00252 (PDF)
- Independent Informal Dispute Resolution for Federally Certified Nursing Homes, P-01855 (PDF)
- Informal Dispute Resolution for Nursing Homes and Facilities Serving People With Developmental Disabilities (FDD), P-01856 (PDF)
- Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual - From the CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) website.
- Pharmacy Newscapsule - Newsletter published regularly by DQA.
- Resident Relocation Manual, P-01440
- Role of Non-Certified Staff in Provision of Care, P-01559 (PDF)
- Survey Guide for Long Term Care Facilities, P-62014 (PDF)
Memos
Memos from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS)
View our Memos Library to access a wealth of communications issued by DHS regarding policies and procedures and how they should be put into action.
DQA numbered memos
Select a link to view the memo. You can also view the list of all DQA Memos.
For an official paper copy of any numbered memo, email or write:
- Email dhswebmaildqa@dhs.wisconsin.gov
Mailing address
Administrator's OfficeDivision of Quality Assurance201 E. Washington Ave., Room E300Madison, WI 53703
| Memo Number | Description | Issue Date | Attachments | Obsolete date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
25-001 |
Background Check Renewals for Entity Operators & Non-Client Residents | |||
|
23-002 |
Fire Watch, Fire Plan, and Fire Reporting Update | |||
|
21-006 |
Wisconsin Administrative Code s. DHS 132.42 (3) (a) Pre-employment Screening for Clinically Apparent Communicable Disease | |||
|
21-004 |
DHS Requests Nursing Homes Join Hospitals in Wisconsin to Use the EMResource Bed Tracking System for Health Care Entities | |||
|
21-002 |
Notice and Requirements for Submitting Four-Year Renewal of Licensee Background Check Information | |||
|
20-004 |
Wisconsin Nursing Homes – CMS 1135 Waiver Provisions and Governor Evers Executive Order # 21 | |||
|
20-008 |
State Licensure Application for Temporary Nursing Facility Expansion Units and Transfer Options during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency |