How long does initial licensing or certification take in Wisconsin?
Timelines vary by program and survey volume. Behavioral health and supported living credentials are often issued within a few months after completing background checks and a thorough package. Home health and hospice services require document review and an initial survey before approval. Once your acceptance letter and paperwork are complete, you can start enrolling as a ForwardHealth provider. Our project plans and templates help you submit survey-ready documents correctly the first time.
Does Wisconsin require a Certificate of Need for new agencies or beds?
Wisconsin has no traditional Certificate of Need program, though certain hospital modifications and long-term care bed additions require specific statutory approvals or moratorium procedures. Our team helps you set realistic timelines and clarifies if your planned service needs additional authorization.
What background checks are required for caregivers and staff?
Under Wisconsin’s Caregiver Law, caregivers in licensed or certified settings must complete background checks before and during employment, with records maintained by the organization. Additional fingerprint or out-of-state checks may be required based on residency history. Our packages include adverse action decision trees, personnel file forms, and legally compliant checklists to ensure documented compliance.
What training is required for personal care workers, aides, or crisis staff?
Before working independently with clients, personal care providers must receive training and supervision from a registered nurse, with documented competency. Home health aides follow state and federal competency standards, while CBRF caregivers complete role-specific training modules. Crisis program staff complete DHS 34–focused training. We provide code-aligned annual education trackers, competency checklists, and role-based training matrices.
How do we enroll for Medicaid and managed care contracting?
Most providers obtain a Medicaid number by enrolling through the ForwardHealth Portal. After enrollment, many community and mental health services bill via IRIS fiscal agents, Family Care managed care organizations, or county-managed contracts. We provide payer credentialing lists, Core Provider Agreement reminders, portal setup steps, and enrollment checklists to ensure billing can start as soon as certification is complete.
