Wisconsin Administrative Code Department of Health Services
The Wisconsin Administrative Code for the Department of Health Services (DHS) is a comprehensive set of rules that govern a vast array of health and human services programs and operations within the state. The DHS is a very large agency with broad responsibilities, so its administrative code is extensive and covers many diverse areas.
The DHS administrative code is typically organized into chapters, often grouped by broader categories. Here are some of the key areas and common chapter groupings you'll find:
I. Management and Technology and Strategic Finance (DHS 1-19) This section often covers general administrative procedures, financial management, and foundational rules for the department's operations. An example includes:
DHS 10: Family Care: Rules related to long-term care programs for the elderly and individuals with disabilities, including the operation of Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) and various long-term care options.
II. Community Services (DHS 30-100) This broad category encompasses rules for various community-based health and social services. Examples include:
DHS 34, 35, 36: Mental Health and Substance Use Services: These chapters cover regulations for the provision of mental health and substance use disorder services, including comprehensive community services programs, crisis services, and provider certification.
DHS 61: Community Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities: Rules pertaining to services for individuals with mental illness and developmental disabilities in community settings.
DHS 75: Substance Use Services Standards: Specific standards for different types of substance use treatment services.
III. Medical Assistance (DHS 101-109) This is a critical section that details the rules for Wisconsin's Medicaid program (Medical Assistance). It covers eligibility, covered services, provider requirements, and reimbursement. Key chapters include:
DHS 101: General Medical Assistance Provisions: Overview and fundamental principles of the Medical Assistance program.
DHS 102-104: Medical Assistance Eligibility: Detailed criteria for who qualifies for Medical Assistance benefits.
DHS 105: Medical Assistance Provider Requirements: Rules for providers who wish to participate in the Medical Assistance program.
DHS 107: Covered Services: This chapter is highly detailed, specifying which medical, dental, mental health, and other services are covered under Medical Assistance, along with any limitations or prior authorization requirements.
IV. Health (DHS 110-199) This section focuses on public health, regulation of healthcare facilities, and specific health programs. Examples include:
DHS 110-120s: Regulation of Healthcare Facilities: Rules for the licensure and operation of various healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies (e.g., DHS 133 for Home Health Agencies).
DHS 140: Required Services of Local Health Departments: Specifies the services that local health departments in Wisconsin must provide, covering areas like communicable disease control, environmental health, and emergency preparedness.
DHS 145: Communicable Diseases: Rules related to the prevention, control, and reporting of communicable diseases.
DHS 157: Radiation Protection: Regulations concerning the use of radiation sources.
DHS 160s: Environmental Health and Safety: Chapters covering topics like lead poisoning prevention (e.g., DHS 163, 181, 182), public swimming pools, and food safety.
DHS 190s: Specific Public Health Programs: Rules for various public health initiatives and programs.
V. Economic Support (DHS 250-) While often connected to broader social services, this section would cover rules related to programs aimed at providing economic assistance, though some of these functions might also interact with or be housed in other departments (e.g., for SNAP/FoodShare or Wisconsin Works (W-2)).
How to Access the Wisconsin Administrative Code for DHS:
The most reliable place to find the current Wisconsin Administrative Code is on the Wisconsin Legislature's website.
Go to the Wisconsin Legislature's website (often docs.legis.wisconsin.gov).
Look for "Wisconsin Administrative Code" or "Administrative Code" in the navigation.
Navigate to the "Department of Health Services (DHS)" section.
From there, you can browse through the various chapters (e.g., DHS 1, DHS 10, DHS 36, DHS 107, DHS 140, etc.).
Other useful resources that often mirror the official code include:
When dealing with administrative rules, it's crucial to ensure you're referencing the most current version, as rules are frequently updated, repealed, or created.
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