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Substance Use Treatment Programs: Certification

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.

Substance use treatment programs often provide services listed in Wis. Admin. Code ch. DHS 75.

Review Wisconsin Admin Code

Below are links to the Wisconsin Admin Codes. Review the code before applying for your certification.

Get certified

Read the information below to learn more about applying.

  • Note: DQA is launching the DHS DQA Provider Portal, a new system for licensure, background checks, plan reviews, and other provider applications for 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 DHS DQA Provider Portal webpage.
  • Initial certification
    • The following providers apply for initial certification or change of ownership using the DHS DQA Provider Portal:
      • Prevention service, DHS 75.14  
      • Intervention service and intoxicated driver services, DHS 75.15  
      • Outpatient substance use treatment services, DHS 75.49  
      • Outpatient integrated behavioral health treatment services, DHS 75.50  
      • Intensive outpatient treatment service, DHS 75.51  
      • Day treatment or partial hospitalization treatment services, DHS 75.52  
      • Transitional residential treatment services, DHS 75.53  
      • Medically monitored residential treatment services, DHS 75.54  
      • Medically managed inpatient treatment services, DHS 75.55  
      • Adult residential integrated behavioral health stabilization services, DHS 75.56  
      • Residential withdrawal management services, DHS 75.57  
      • Residential intoxication monitoring services, DHS 75.58  
      • Opioid treatment programs, including mobile unit applications, DHS 75.59  
      • Office-based opioid treatment services, DHS 75.60  
      • Branch office or school branch office 
    • Overdose Treatment Providers may apply by completing the Behavioral Health Certification Section DHS 72 - Overdose Treatment Provider Certification Application, F-03411 (Word) form
  • For recertification information, please email dhsdqamentalhealthandsubstanceusecertification@dhs.wisconsin.gov

Glossary

 
Last revised November 19, 2025