Waivers and Variances: Health and Residential Care Providers
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) may grant a waiver or variance if it finds that the request will not adversely affect the health, safety, or welfare of any client, resident, or patient.
Definitions
- Waiver: An exception from a requirement identified in the applicable chapter of the Wisconsin administrative code.
- Variance: An alternative requirement in place of a requirement identified in the applicable chapter of the Wisconsin administrative code.
Provider-specific information
Applying for a waiver or variance may differ, depending on the type of provider. Select a provider category to learn how to submit a request or to find other related information.
Assisted living (also includes information about approvals and exceptions)
- Adult family homes
- Community-based residential facilities
- Residential care apartment complexes
- Mental health treatment programs
- Substance abuse treatment programs
- Nurse aide training programs
- Nurse aide federal employment eligibility renewal
- Nursing homes
- Facilities serving people with developmental disabilities
Life Safety Code waiver
In some cases, a facility may request a waiver of certain federal Life Safety Code (LSC) provisions. Find the requirements in the Federal State Operations Manual, Chapter 2 (PDF). Go to Section 2480 – LSC Waivers.
Wisconsin commercial building code variance
Complete and submit the Petition for Building Code Variance, F-62537 (Word) when seeking an alternative method of compliance to a specific building code requirement.
Contact us
Questions? Contact the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA):
- Email dhswebmaildqa@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
- Call 608-266-8481.