Applying for an Adult Family Home (AFH) license in Wisconsin is a process designed to ensure that homes providing care for adults meet specific health, safety, and welfare standards. An Adult Family Home is a place where 3-4 adults who are not related to the operator receive care, treatment, or services above the level of room and board.
Before starting your application, familiarize yourself with the requirements and regulations for operating an Adult Family Home in Wisconsin. This includes understanding the licensing standards, caregiver qualifications, and the physical environment requirements of the home. Adult family homes in Wisconsin are governed by Wis. Admin. Code ch. DHS 88 as required by Wis. Stat. ch. 50.
Prior to beginning the online application process through Wisconsin Web Access Management System (WAMS) a mandatory orientation session, provided by the Wisconsin DHS, must be completed. This session will cover critical information about running an AFH and the application process. Then, you must ensure that you and any staff members undergo a criminal background check. This is a prerequisite for the licensing process.
Again, prior to completing the online application process through WAMS, you will need to prepare the following documents that are required to obtain your AFH license: Proof of completed orientation; Results of criminal background checks; A detailed floor plan of the home showing compliance with physical environment standards; Financial statements proving the financial stability of the operator for at least 60 days; and, Policies and procedures for the operation of the AFH, including emergency plans.
You will need to visit the Wisconsin DHS website to access the online application form. You may need to create a WAMS account to start this process. The online application through WAMS has significantly reduced the time it will take to complete the application online. The step-by-step application form matches the previously utilized physical forms for obtaining an AFH license. Each licensee will need to fill out the information required on behalf of the entity operating the AFH, as well as the personal information needed from the licensee. Attach all necessary documentation to your online application and ensure that all files are clearly labeled and meet any specified file format requirements.
Once you submit the online application, the required application fee will need to be paid through the online payment system. The fee amount and payment methods will be specified in the application portal.
After submitting your application, the DHS will review your documents. If everything is in order, they will contact you to schedule an on-site inspection of your Adult Family Home. This inspection will verify that your home meets all the regulatory requirements. If the home meets all requirements under Wis. Admin. Code ch. DHS 88, then the license will be issued.
At OVB Law & Consulting, S.C., our attorneys specialize and have the needed experience to assist with applying and navigating the adult family home licensing process.
