Assisted Living Regulations
WHCA/WiCAL understands that state regulations play an important role in ensuring the highest quality of care for Wisconsin’s frail elderly and persons with disabilities.
The Department of Health Services, Division of Quality Assurance, Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) is responsible for licensing and surveying the following provider types:
- Community-based residential facilities (CBRFs)
- Adult family homes – 3 or 4 beds
- Adult day care programs and
- Residential care apartment complexes (RCACs)
Click HERE to view the BAL regional office contacts and map.
To view regulatory resources that are applicable for both skilled nursing and assisted living facilities (i.e. Life Safety Code, OSHA), click HERE.
Click HERE to view DHS Assisted Living Standards of Practice Resources.
Please contact WHCA/WiCAL Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs Eric Koch for more information.
Adult Family Home
Adult Family Home
An Adult Family Home (AFH) is the smallest type of residential facility. Often a private home, it can contain one to four residents, along with caregivers who may or may not live there. Residents receive care “above the level of room and board,” which can include up to 7 hours per week of nursing care. Most AFHs specialize in a particular type of resident.
AFHs of 1 and 2 beds are controlled by the local county or managed care organization, while 3- and 4-bed AFHs are regulated by the state DQA.
Regulations AFHs must adhere to:
- DHS 88 Code
- Chapter 50, Wisconsin Statutes
- DHS 12 Code: Caregiver Background Checks
- DHS 13 Code: Reporting and Investigation of Caregiver Misconduct
Community Based Residential Facility
Community Based Residential Facility
A Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF) is usually a medium-sized facility, although some can be quite large. With a minimum of 5 beds, these facilities provide care beyond room and board, including up to 3 hours per week of nursing care. CBRFs often specialize by resident type, particularly with residents who have Alzheimer’s or dementia. All CBRFs are regulated by DQA.
Regulations CBRFs must adhere to:
- DHS 83 Code
- Chapter 50, Wisconsin Statutes
- DHS 12 Code: Caregiver Background Checks
- DHS 13 Code: Reporting and Investigation of Caregiver Misconduct
Residential Care Apartment Complex
Residential Care Apartment Complex
A Residential Care Apartment Complex (RCAC) has at least 5 apartments and may provide up to 28 hours per week of services such as housekeeping, personal assistance, dining, nutrition and medication management. 24-hour emergency services are also available. Each apartment has a lockable entrance, kitchen and bathroom. RCACs are regulated by DQA.
Regulations RCACs must adhere to:
- DHS 89 Code
- DHS 12 Code: Caregiver Background Checks
- DHS 13 Code: Reporting and Investigation of Caregiver Misconduct
RCACs are either certified or registered.
- Certified have both private pay tenants and those eligible for the Community Options Program (COP) or Medicaid, are are inspected every two years, plus complaints investigated.
- Registered have only private pay tenants, are not inspected, and only complaints are investigated.