1. (1) Probationary license. The initial license granted to an applicant for a group home license shall be a probationary license valid for a period of 6 months from the date of issuance.

2. (2) Initial regular license.

   1. (a) The department shall conduct an inspection of the premises under s. DCF 57.04 at least 30 days before the date a probationary license expires.

   2. (b) After completion of the inspection of the premises the department may do any of the following:

      1. 1. Issue a regular license that is valid and continued for a period of 2 years, unless revoked or suspended sooner.
      2. 2. Issue one 6-month extension of the probationary license.
      3. 3. Deny issuance of a regular license when the applicant does not satisfy the minimum requirements for licensure under s. 48.67, Stats., or when any ground for revocation under s. DCF 57.55 applies.

3. (3) Continuation of a regular license.

   1. (a) If the licensee wishes to continue a regular license, the licensee shall submit to the department the following materials at least 30 days before the end of the 2-year licensure period:

      1. 1. A completed application form prescribed by the department that is signed by each individual applicant or, if the applicant is an agency or corporation, by an authorized representative.

         Note: Form DCF-F-5013, License Continuation Application – Group Homes, and Form DCF-F-5313-E, Group Home Continuation Application Document Checklist, are available in the forms section of the department website, https://dcf.wisconsin.gov.

      2. 2. The license fee required under s. 48.625 (2) (a), Stats.

      3. 3. A background information disclosure form and authorization that has been completed and signed as follows:

         1. a. If the applicant is one or more individuals, by each individual applicant.
         2. b. If the applicant is a corporation or agency, by an authorized representative.
      4. 4. Proof of insurance required under s. DCF 57.08.
      5. 5. A copy of policies and procedures required under this chapter that have been updated or changed.
      6. 6. Any other information requested by the department.
   2. (b) If the department does not receive a complete application to continue a regular license at least 30 days before the end of each 2-year period, the department shall issue a written warning to the licensee. If the licensee fails to apply for a continuation of the license within 30 days after receipt of the warning, the department may revoke the license under s. DCF 57.55 or take any other action appropriate to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents.

   3. (c) Prior to continuing the license of the group home, the department shall do all of the following:

      1. 1. Consider all formal complaints filed under s. DCF 57.58 and the disposition of each during the previous 2-year period.
      2. 2. Consider all sanctions and penalties issued under s. 48.715, Stats.
      3. 3. Conduct an on-site visit to inspect the facility and premises.
   4. (d) The department may continue a regular license for an additional 2 years or deny or fail to process the continuation application for a reason specified in s. DCF 57.49 or 57.55.

History

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