Residential Care Apartment Complexes: Memos and Publications
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.
This page includes helpful resources related to residential care apartment complexes (RCACs). Publications are files or websites with additional information. Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) numbered memos are documents that deal with:
- RCAC policies.
- Guidelines for RCACs regulated by DQA.
- Information and interpretation of federal and state regulations.
Questions? Email dhswebmaildqa@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
Publications
Select a link to learn more:
- Falls in Assisted Living Facilities, P-00994 (PDF) - Learn about recommendations for assessing, preventing, reducing, and responding to resident falls.
- Online License and Certification Continuations via e-Renewal, P-01731 (PDF) - Understand reports, licenses, and certifications required by the Bureau of Assisted Living.
- Pharmacy Newscapsule - Newsletter published regularly by DQA.
- Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement in Assisted Living, P-03075 (PDF) - Read recommendations for quality care and the results of an online assessment survey.
- Reporting Requirements for Assisted Living Facilities, P-02007 (PDF) - Use this reference to determine when statutes and codes require you to report certain incidents.
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
DQA Administrator's Office201 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 | |||
|
21-008 |
Prohibited Restraints and Restrictive Measures in Community-Based Programs and Facilities | |||
|
21-002 |
Notice and Requirements for Submitting Four-Year Renewal of Licensee Background Check Information | |||
|
20-009 |
Licensure/Certification Application for Temporary Assisted Living Facility Expansion Units and Transfer Options during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency State |