Wisconsin Administrative Code Department of Health Services
Wisconsin Administrative Code – Department of Health Services (DHS)
The Department of Health Services (DHS) is the state agency responsible for public health, health care programs, and social services in Wisconsin. Its rules are codified in the Wisconsin Administrative Code, Chapters DHS 1–199 (roughly), covering the organization, programs, and procedures under the department’s authority.
1. Purpose and Scope
The Administrative Code for DHS establishes:
How the department operates
Standards for public health programs
Licensing and regulation of health care facilities and professionals
Administration of Medicaid, BadgerCare, and other state health programs
Social services programs for children, adults, and vulnerable populations
2. Organization
DHS is organized into multiple divisions, each of which has specific administrative rules:
Division of Public Health – rules on communicable disease control, immunizations, environmental health, and health promotion.
Division of Medicaid Services – rules on eligibility, benefits, and provider participation.
Division of Quality Assurance – rules for licensing and regulating health care facilities, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics.
Division of Care and Treatment Services – rules for mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorder programs.
Division of Long-Term Care – rules on home- and community-based care, nursing homes, and elder services.
3. Responsibilities
The DHS rules in the Administrative Code cover:
Licensing and regulation of health care providers, facilities, and programs.
Standards for care delivery, including patient rights and safety.
Program eligibility requirements, such as for Medicaid or state-funded health services.
Reporting and recordkeeping for facilities and providers.
Compliance and enforcement, including inspections, penalties, and corrective actions.
4. Rulemaking Authority
DHS has the authority to adopt administrative rules to implement state statutes related to health and human services.
The rules define:
How programs are administered
Minimum standards for services
Professional and facility requirements
5. Public Participation
The DHS rules include provisions for public notice and comment on proposed rules.
Public input is part of ensuring transparency in health and social services administration.
6. Key Chapters (General Overview)
DHS 1–99 – Public health and health care programs
DHS 100–199 – Licensing, quality assurance, and facility regulations
Later chapters may address specialized programs, like mental health services or long-term care.
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