Starting November 1, 2023 RSV-associated hospitalizations and RSV-associated pediatric deaths among Wisconsin residents are reportable to DHS. This change will bring RSV surveillance in alignment with influenza virus surveillance.

This memo provides updated guidance for reporting VISA/VRSA in Wisconsin: In alignment with current reporting guidelines for other multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), VISA/VRSA shall be considered a Category II reportable condition in Wisconsin.

This memo introduces new application policies for people who are being discharged from the following facilities operated by the Division of Care and Treatment Services (DCTS): 

• Mendota Mental Health Institute (MMHI) 
• Winnebago Mental Health Institute (WMHI) 
• Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Center (SRSTC) 

This operations memo informs local agencies of updates that have been made to the Wisconsin Shares Handbook that will be published and effective on October 1, 2023.

This memorandum replaces memorandum 17-005 with updated regulatory references. The position of the Department of Health Services remains consistent regarding the purpose of this memorandum to provide information regarding the minimum fire safety requirements for new Community-Based Residential Facility (CBRF) licensure, as these requirements relate to the application of the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code (WCBC). CBRFs are licensed according to Wis. Admin. Code ch. DHS 83. Commercial structures are designed to the requirements in the WCBC.

The purpose of this memo is to provide updated information regarding the response to fire-related emergencies in health care facilities. This memo provides regulatory information regarding the development of fire watch procedures, fire planning, and mandated reporting of a fire event.