Before a prospective staff member begins employment, the licensee shall have documentation that the prospective staff member meets all of the following conditions required in order to be hired as a staff member:

1. (1) The background check requirements under s. 48.685, Stats., based on all of the following:

   1. (a) Information obtained under s. 48.685 (2) (b) and (ba), Stats.
   2. (b) Any follow-up required under s. 48.685 (2) (bb), Stats.
   3. (c) The licensee’s determination of whether any conviction that is not a serious crime under s. 48.685 (1) (c), Stats., is substantially related to the care of a resident under s. 48.685 (5m), Stats., with the documentation required under s. DCF 12.06 (3).

2. (2) Favorable written or oral references from 2 or more persons unrelated to the applicant.

   Note: DCF-F-5381, Reference Check – Group Home, is a voluntary form that may be used to document references. The form is available in the forms section of the department’s website at https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/forms.

3. (3) A written statement from a medical provider that is dated within the previous 12 months that says the prospective staff member does not have a physical or mental condition that would interfere with the ability of the prospective staff member to work with or care for a resident.
4. (4) A licensee determination that the prospective staff member displays the capacity to successfully nurture and care for a resident, exercises sound judgment, does not have a history of a civil action or criminal conviction or administrative rule violation that is substantially related to the care of a resident, and does not abuse alcohol or drugs. The licensee shall consult s. DCF 12.06 for guidance in determining whether a civil action, criminal conviction, or administrative rule violation is substantially related to the care of a resident.

5. (5) A copy of the prospective staff member’s driver’s license and driving record and a written determination that s. DCF 57.10 (6) (a) is not applicable if the position may require driving a motor vehicle to transport a resident.

   Note: A driving record is available from Department of Transportation, DMV Online Services, “Other Online Services” website at https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/online-srvcs/OtherServices.aspx.

6. (6) The prospective staff member has not had a license for the care of children or vulnerable adults suspended, revoked, or not renewed for a substantive reason within the last 5 years.

History

History: CR 26-005: cr. Register May 2026 No. 845, eff. 6-1-26.