Division of Quality Assurance: Notifications & Updates
Attn: All Wisconsin Hospitals
Please visit the following link to view DQA Memo 20-001 / State Licensure Application for Temporary Expansion Locations during Public Health Emergency related to COVID-19: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/dqa/memos/20-001.pdf
The purpose of this memorandum is to establish the process for hospitals and critical access hospitals (collectively “hospitals”) to expand their acute care inpatient services temporarily during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a number of blanket waivers under Section 1135 of the Social Security Act relieving certain regulatory burdens so that hospitals can establish temporary expansion locations in non-hospital space to be used for inpatient care for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency. The Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) is currently analyzing these CMS waivers and will be providing additional guidance as soon as possible on how these waivers affect the ability of hospitals to establish temporary expansion surge sites in light of applicable state laws and state administrative rules The temporary expansion locations discussed in this memorandum are intended to allow hospitals flexibility to the extent necessary to maintain the health, safety and well-being of patients during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.
Questions
Related to licensure or the CoA application process, please contact Thomas Rylander at 608.266.7297 or Thomas.Rylander@wi.gov and Angela Mack at 608.216.3065 or Angela.Mack@wi.gov.
Related to Physical Environment or Life Safety Code, please contact Henry Kosarzycki at 414.750.0459 or Henry.Kosarzycki@wi.gov.
Regarding the information in this memo, please contact Ann Hansen at 608.266.0269 or Ann.Hansen@wi.gov.
