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DHS 72

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DHS 72 Overdose Treatment Provider Certification And Covered Services

Jurisdiction: WI Agency: Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS)
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Plain-English summary

DHS 72 establishes Wisconsin certification requirements and covered service standards for two types of entities seeking Medicaid reimbursement: (1) providers of peer recovery support services delivered by peer recovery coaches to individuals in or seeking recovery from mental health or substance use challenges, and (2) substance use overdose treatment programs that offer coordinated care and services to individuals at risk of or following a substance use overdose. Operators must meet staffing, training, supervision, documentation, participant rights, and recordkeeping requirements, and must apply for and maintain certification through the Department of Health Services. Programs already certified under other DHS chapters (e.g., DHS 34, 35, 36, 63, 75, 124) are exempt from the Subchapter III certification requirements.

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Regulation text
Published under s. 35.93, Wis. Stats., by the Legislative Reference Bureau.
1 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES DHS 72.03
Chapter DHS 72
OVERDOSE TREATMENT PROVIDER CERTIFICATION 
AND COVERED SERVICES
Subchapter I — General Provisions
DHS 72.01 Authority and purpose.
DHS 72.02 Applicability.
DHS 72.03 Definitions.
Subchapter II — Peer Recovery Support Services Standards
DHS 72.04 Peer recovery support services.
DHS 72.05 Training, orientation, and continuing education requirements.
DHS 72.06 Supervision of peer recovery coaches.
DHS 72.07 Documentation.
Subchapter III — Substance Use Overdose Treatment Program
DHS 72.08 Exemption.
DHS 72.085 Application requirements and policies.
DHS 72.09 Program statement.
DHS 72.10 Required policies and procedures.
DHS 72.11 General qualifications.
DHS 72.12 Orientation, training, and continuing education.
DHS 72.13 Participant rights.
DHS 72.14 Participant service records.
DHS 72.15 Discharge summary.
Subchapter I — General Provisions
DHS 72.01 Authority and purpose. This chapter is 
promulgated under ss. 46.482 (2) and (3), 49.45 (10) and 
(30j) (b), 49.471 (12), 51.04, 51.61, and 227.11 (2) (a), Stats., to 
establish certification criteria for reimbursement under the medi-
cal assistance program for all of the following:
(1) Peer recovery support services.
(2) Treatment programs for coordination and continuation of 
care following an overdose.
History: CR 24-081: cr. Register September 2025 No. 837, eff. 10-1-25; cor-
rection in (intro.) made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register September 2025 No. 
837.
DHS 72.02 Applicability. This chapter shall apply to all 
of the following seeking reimbursement under the medical assis-
tance program for recovery support services:
(1) A publicly or privately operated facility, clinic, or organi-
zation providing peer recovery support services, coordination and 
continuation of care for individuals at high risk for overdose, or 
both, in response to or following a substance use overdose.
(2) A county department or tribal nation providing peer re-
covery support services, coordination of care in substance use 
overdose, mental health, or substance use treatment services. 
(3) A publicly or privately operated service that requests cer-
tification by the department.
History: CR 24-081: cr. Register September 2025 No. 837, eff. 10-1-25; (in-
tro.) to (3) renum. from (1) (intro.) to (c) under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 1., Register Sep-
tember 2025 No. 837.
DHS 72.03 Definitions. In this chapter:
(1) XBehavioral health Y means the spectrum encompassing 
mental health and substance use disorders occurring either inde-
pendently or simultaneously.
(2) XCertificationY means the approval of the service by the 
department[s division of quality assurance.
(3) XCo-supervisionY means a shared model of supervision 
where a peer recovery coach is supervised by both a competent 
mental health professional and a peer recovery coach supervisor, 
either individually or in groups, to ensure that all aspects of peer 
recovery coaching can be modeled and supervised. 
(4) (a) XCompetent mental health professionalY means any of 
the following:
1. A physician who has completed a residence in psychiatry 
or is certified in addiction medicine.
2. A psychologist or a private practice school psychologist li-
censed under ch. 455, Stats.
3. A marriage and family therapist licensed under s. 457.10 
or 457.11, Stats.
4. A professional counselor licensed under s. 457.12 or 
457.13, Stats.
5. An advanced practice social worker granted a certificate 
under s. 457.08 (2), Stats.
6. An independent social worker granted a certificate under 
s. 457.08 (3), Stats.
7. A clinical social worker licensed under s. 457.08 (4) , 
Stats.
8. A clinical substance abuse counselor or independent clini-
cal supervisor certified under s. 440.88, Stats.
9. Any of the individuals under subds. 1. to 8. who are prac-
ticing under a currently valid training or temporary license or cer-
tificate granted under applicable provisions of ch. 457, Stats.
(b) XCompetent mental health professionalY does not include 
an individual whose license or certificate is suspended, revoked, 
or voluntarily surrendered, or whose license or certificate is lim-
ited or restricted, when practicing in areas prohibited by the limi-
tation or restriction.
(5) XContinuum of behavioral health and peer recovery sup-
port servicesY means an integrated system of care that includes a 
comprehensive array of behavioral health services spanning all 
levels of intensity of care including prevention, early interven-
tion, harm reduction, treatment, psychosocial rehabilitation ser-
vices, continuing care, and recovery services.
(6) XCounty departmentY means a county department of hu-
man services under s. 46.23, Stats., or a county department of 
community programs established under s. 51.42, Stats., to admin-
ister community mental health and alcohol and drug abuse pro-
grams on a single-county or multi-county basis.
(7) XDepartmentY means the Wisconsin department of health 
services.
(8) XDSMY means the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of 
Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (2013), published by the Ameri-
can psychiatric association.
(9) XMedical assistanceY means the assistance program under 
42 USC 1396 and ss. 49.43 to 49.475 and 49.49 to 49.497, Stats.
(10) XMental illnessY means a diagnosis meeting the criteria 
in the DSM.
(11) XOverdoseY means the ingestion or application of a drug 
Published under s. 35.93, Stats. Updated on the first day of each month. Entire code is always current. The Register date on each page is the date 
the chapter was last published. 
Register September 2025 No. 837
Published under s. 35.93, Wis. Stats., by the Legislative Reference Bureau.
DHS 72.03 WISCONSIN ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 2
or other substance in a quantity greater than is recommended that 
results in serious negative health effects or death.
(12) XOverdose treatment providerY means an entity, includ-
ing an emergency department of a hospital, that offers treatment 
or other services to individuals in response to or following a sub-
stance use overdose or an individual at high risk for a substance 
use overdose.
(13) XPeer recovery coach Y means an individual who prac-
tices in the recovery field and who provides support and assis-
tance to individuals who are in treatment or recovery from mental 
illness, a substance use disorder, or both.
(14) XPeer recovery coach supervisor Y means a person who 
can co-supervise peer recovery coaches with a competent mental 
health professional if the peer recovery coach supervisor meets 
all the qualifications of a peer recovery coach in this chapter, has 
one year experience providing peer recovery coaching, and train-
ing in providing peer supervision. 
(15) XPeer recovery support services Y are non-clinical ser-
vices designed to meet the needs of individuals in or seeking re-
covery. These services are provided by peer recovery coaches and 
are designed to engage, educate, support, and assist individuals 
engaged in the recovery process. 
(16) XRecoveryY means a process of change through which an 
individual improves their health and wellness, lives a self-directed 
life, and strives to reach their full potential.
(17) XService plan Y means identified goals, objectives, and 
resources agreed upon by the participant and the service provider 
to be used in facilitation of the participant[s recovery.
(18) XSubstance use disorder Y means a diagnosis of sub-
stance use disorder listed in the DSM.
(19) XSubstance use overdose treatment program Y is a pro-
gram certified under this chapter that offers an array of coordi-
nated treatment and services, including peer recovery support 
services, in an integrated model of care to individuals at risk of or 
in response to a substance use overdose.
(20) XSupervisionY means a professional and collaborative 
activity between a supervisor and staff which provides guidance 
and support to assure quality work and promote staff 
development.
(22) XTreatmentY means the planned provision of services 
that are responsive to a participant [s individual needs to assist 
them through the process of mental health recovery, substance 
use recovery, or both.
(22m) XTribeY means a federally recognized American In-
dian tribe or band.
(23) XVarianceY means an alternate means of meeting a re-
quirement in this chapter.
(24) XWaiverY means an exemption from a requirement of 
this chapter.
History: CR 24-081 : cr. Register September 2025 No. 837 , eff. 10-1-25; 
renum. (22m) under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register 838.
Subchapter II — Peer Recovery Support Services 
Standards
DHS 72.04 Peer recovery support services. (1) 
Peer recovery coaches may provide peer recovery support ser-
vices in accordance with this subchapter to individuals with men-
tal health or substance use challenges in any of the following:
(a) Substance use overdose treatment program certified under 
subch. III.
(b) A behavioral health program certified under ch. DHS 34, 
35, 36, 63, 75, or 124.
(2) Peer recovery coaches shall do all of the following:
(a) Possess personal lived experience with mental health chal-
lenges, substance use challenges, or both. This may include expe-
rience as a parent or as an adult family member of an individual 
who has experienced mental health or substance use challenges.
(b) Use their lived experience and recovery, combined with 
training and supervision, to support participants with mental 
health or substance use challenges in their recovery.
(c) Provide services in coordination with the participant[s in-
dividual treatment goals noted on the service plan.
(d) Guide the recovery process and support the participant [s 
recovery choices, goals, and decisions.
(e) Provide trauma informed, person-centered, and strength-
based peer recovery support services.
(3) If indicated in a participant[s treatment goals noted on the 
service plan, peer recovery coaches may provide any of the fol-
lowing services:
(a) Peer recovery support services in a variety of settings to 
assist the participant in positively engaging in their community.
(b) Coaching the participant to increase their needed skills 
and assist them on accomplishing tasks and goals noted on the 
service plan.
(c) Connecting the participant to needed resources, services, 
and supports that will assist the participant to enhance their 
recovery.
(d) Mentoring the participant and using their lived experience 
to provide mutual support and inspire hope.
(e) Planning, developing, and facilitating groups using peer 
recovery supports or peer recovery support activities to enhance 
recovery.
(f) Assisting in the development of formal and informal sup-
ports, serve as an advocate, mentor, or facilitator for the resolu-
tion of challenges.
(g) Performing a range of peer support tasks to assist the par-
ents or legal guardians of a youth participant during the recovery 
process.
(h) Assisting the participant to engage in behavioral health or 
to address barriers to their recovery.
(i) Supporting the participant [s use of harm reduction strate-
gies and a variety of pathways to recovery.
(j) Engaging other supports that facilitate the participant[s en-
gagement and active participation in their own recovery.
History: CR 24-081: cr. Register September 2025 No. 837, eff. 10-1-25; cor-
rection in (3) (b), (c), (g), (h) made under s. 35. 17, Stats., Register September 
2025 No. 837.
DHS 72.05 Training, orientation, and continuing 
education requirements. (1) GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. 
Training, orientation, and continuing education is required for all 
peer recovery coaches. All programs covered under s. DHS 
72.04 (1) are required to provide orientation to peer recovery 
coaches. Written verification of training, orientation, and contin-
uing education shall be maintained in the employee [s file and 
made available to the department upon request.
(2) REQUIRED TRAINING FOR PEER RECOVERY COACHES. 
Prior to providing recovery support services, a peer recovery 
coach shall complete training that will provide a basic set of com-
petencies necessary to perform the peer support function. Prior 
to providing recovery support services, a peer recovery coach 
shall complete and document completion of 40 hours of peer re-
covery coach training that includes all of the following:
(a) Ten hours of training in advocacy related to the population 
served.
(b) Ten hours of training in mentoring and education related 
to the population served.
Published under s. 35.93, Stats. Updated on the first day of each month. Entire code is always current. The Register date on each page is the date 
the chapter was last published. 
Register September 2025 No. 837
Published under s. 35.93, Wis. Stats., by the Legislative Reference Bureau.
3 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES DHS 72.085
(c) Ten hours of training in recovery and wellness support re-
lated to the population served.
(d) Ten hours of training in ethical responsibility related to the 
population served.
(3) REQUIRED RELEVANT VOLUNTEER OR PAID EXPERIENCE. 
In addition to the training specified in sub. (2), and prior to pro-
viding recovery support services, a peer recovery coach shall 
complete 24 hours of supervised volunteer or paid work experi-
ence involving advocacy, mentoring and education, recovery and 
wellness support, ethical responsibility, or a combination of those 
areas. This experience may be part of new employee orientation 
or prior work or volunteer experience.
(4) CONTINUING EDUCATION. Peer recovery coaches shall re-
ceive 8 hours of annual training pertinent to the services they 
provide.
History: CR 24-081: cr. Register September 2025 No. 837, eff. 10-1-25; cor-
rection in (2) (a) to (d) made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register September 2025 
No. 837.
DHS 72.06 Supervision of peer recovery coaches. 
(1) GENERAL SUPERVISION REQUIREMENT. A peer recovery 
coach shall provide peer recovery support services under the su-
pervision of a competent mental health professional. Supervi-
sion may be provided in an individual session between the com-
petent mental health professional and peer recovery coach, or in a 
group session involving one competent mental health profes-
sional and more than one peer recovery coach. Supervision 
should support peer recovery coaches[ competent and appropriate 
contribution to treatment via services that are complementary to 
but distinct from treatment professionals.
(2) MINIMUM AMOUNT OF SUPERVISION REQUIRED. When 
individual supervision is provided, a peer recovery coach shall re-
ceive a minimum of one hour of supervision by a competent men-
tal health professional for every 30 hours of face-to-face peer re-
covery support services the peer recovery coach provides.
(3) COMPETENT MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL TRAINING 
OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS. The supervising competent 
mental health professional shall be trained or have documented 
experience, in all of the subjects listed in s. 49.45 (30j) (b) 2. a. to 
L., Stats., in addition to their formal education and licensure.
(4) CO-SUPERVISION BY A PEER RECOVERY COACH SUPERVI-
SOR. (a) A peer recovery coach may also be co-supervised by a 
peer recovery coach supervisor and a competent mental health 
professional.
(b) The competent mental health professional and peer recov-
ery coach supervisor may provide direct supervision to a peer re-
covery coach together or individually with the peer recovery 
coach.
(c) A peer recovery coach supervisor providing co-supervi-
sion shall be trained or experienced in all of the subjects listed in 
s. 49.45 (30j) (b) 2. a. to L., Stats.
(5) REQUIREMENTS FOR CO-SUPERVISION MODEL. When co-
supervision is provided, all of the following apply:
(a) A peer recovery coach shall receive a minimum of one 
hour of supervision by a peer recovery coach supervisor for every 
30 hours of face-to-face peer recovery support services the peer 
recovery coach provides.
(b) A peer recovery coach shall also receive a minimum of 
one hour of supervision by a competent mental health profes-
sional for every 60 hours of face-to-face peer recovery support 
services the peer recovery coach provides.
(c) A peer recovery coach supervisor shall receive a minimum 
of one hour of supervision by a competent mental health profes-
sional for every 60 hours of supervision hours and face-to-face 
peer recovery support services provided. Supervision may be 
provided in an individual or a group setting.
(d) The peer recovery coach supervisor and competent mental 
health professional must keep a log of supervision hours pro-
vided, which shall be made available to the department upon 
request.
(6) GOALS OF SUPERVISION. Supervision shall ensure that 
peer recovery support services provided by the peer recovery 
coach is in coordination with the participant [s service plan and 
adheres to the basic set of competencies listed in s. DHS 72.05 
(2) (a) to (d).
History: CR 24-081: cr. Register September 2025 No. 837, eff. 10-1-25.
DHS 72.07 Documentation. Peer recovery coaches 
must document all peer recovery support services delivered by re-
taining all of the following records:
(1) Service provider notes.
(2) Documentation of the participant[s progress toward goals 
and changes to treatment plan.
(3) Discharge summary and any related information.
(4) Any other information that is appropriate for the partici-
pant service record.
History: CR 24-081: cr. Register September 2025 No. 837, eff. 10-1-25.
Subchapter III — Substance Use Overdose Treatment 
Program
DHS 72.08 Exemption. The certification requirements 
in this subchapter shall not apply to any of the following:
(1) An emergency mental health service program certified 
under ch. DHS 34.
(2) An outpatient mental health clinic certified under ch. 
DHS 35.
(3) A comprehensive community services program certified 
under ch. DHS 36.
(4) A community support program for chronically mentally 
ill persons under ch. DHS 63.
(5) A publicly or privately operated facility providing sub-
stance use treatment services that is certified under ch. DHS 75.
(6) A hospital approved by the department under ch. DHS 
124.
History: CR 24-081: cr. Register September 2025 No. 837, eff. 10-1-25.
DHS 72.085 Application requirements and poli-
cies. (1) APPLICATION. A county department, tribal nation, or 
other qualified agency may apply for certification by submitting 
all of the following application materials to the department at the 
address given on the application: 
(a) A completed application form.
Note: Application forms are available at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/regula-
tions/mentalhealth/certification.htm.
(b) Payment for the application fee required under s. 51.04, 
Stats.
Note: Fee information is available at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/regula-
tions/mentalhealth/certification.htm.
(c) A program statement developed under s. DHS 72.09.
(d) A copy of the program [s policies and procedures devel-
oped under s. DHS 72.10.
(e) Any other information requested by the department.
(f) Any other applicable fees.
(2) CERTIFICATION DETERMINATION. (a) The department 
shall make a certification determination within 60 days of receiv-
ing all completed application materials.
(b) If the department does not approve the program statement 
or determines that an applicant does not comply with the require-
ments of this chapter, the department may deny the certification. 
A denial of certification shall be in writing and shall contain the 
Published under s. 35.93, Stats. Updated on the first day of each month. Entire code is always current. The Register date on each page is the date 
the chapter was last published. 
Register September 2025 No. 837
Published under s. 35.93, Wis. Stats., by the Legislative Reference Bureau.
DHS 72.085 WISCONSIN ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 4
reason for the denial and notice of opportunity for a hearing un-
der s. 227.42, Stats.
(3) COMPLIANCE REVIEW. Upon receipt of all completed ap-
plication materials described in sub. (2), the applicant shall per-
mit the department to conduct an on-site inspection of the pro-
gram and a review of any documentation necessary to determine 
compliance with this chapter.
(4) NOTIFICATION OF CHANGES. A program that has received 
certification from the department shall notify the department of 
any change of administration, ownership, program name, or any 
other change that may affect compliance with this chapter before 
the effective date of the change. A certification is non-transfer-
able. A new application will be required if the department deter-
mines there is a substantial change in the program.
(5) DURATION OF CERTIFICATION. (a) Certification remains 
valid until it is terminated or suspended by the department in ac-
cordance with sub. (8).
(b) Certification becomes invalid due to non-submission of 
the biennial report or non-payment of biennial fees in accordance 
with sub. (6).
(6) BIENNIAL REPORT AND FEES. (a) Every 24 months, on a 
date determined by the department, the program shall submit a 
biennial report on the form provided by the department and shall 
submit payment of certification continuation fees under s. 51.04, 
Stats.
(b) The department shall send the certification continuation 
materials to the provider, which the provider is expected to com-
plete and submit to the department according to instructions 
provided.
(c) A certification will be suspended or terminated if biennial 
reports and fees are not submitted prior to the end of the biennial 
cycle.
(7) STATEMENT OF DEFICIENCY. (a) If the department deter-
mines that a program has a deficiency, the department shall issue 
a statement of deficiency to the program within 14 calendar days. 
The statement of deficiency may place restrictions on the pro-
gram or its activities, or suspend or terminate the program[s certi-
fication, pursuant to sub. (8).
(b) The program shall submit a plan of correction to the de-
partment within 14 calendar days upon receipt of the statement of 
deficiency. The plan of correction shall propose the specific 
steps the program will take to correct the deficiency, the timelines 
within which the corrections will be made, and the staff members 
who will implement the plan and monitor for future compliance.
(c) If the department determines that the plan of correction 
submitted by the program does not adequately address the defi-
ciencies listed in the statement of deficiency, the department may 
request a new plan of correction from the program or may impose 
a plan of correction.
(8) TERMINATION AND SUSPENSION OF CERTIFICATION. The 
department may suspend or revoke certification for any of the 
reasons specified under s. 51.032, Stats., or for failure to comply 
with this chapter. The department shall provide the reasons for 
suspension or revocation and the process for appeal of the sus-
pension or revocation in a written notice to the applicant.
(9) APPEALS. (a) If the department denies, suspends, or ter-
minates certification, or imposes conditions on a certification, 
the program may request a hearing under ch. 227, Stats.
(b) An applicant for program certification does not have a 
right to appeal when all of the following apply:
1. The issue is the denial of the application for certification.
2. The department has determined to limit the number of 
programs statewide.
3. The addition of the facility would exceed the limit deter-
mined by the department.
(10) EXCEPTIONS TO A REQUIREMENT. (a) Waivers and vari-
ances. 1. A substance use overdose treatment program that is 
certified under this subchapter may apply for a discretionary 
waiver or variance to any non-statutory requirements in this sub-
chapter. A written request for a waiver or variance shall be sent to 
the department on a form provided by the department and shall 
address all of the criteria identified in subd. 2.
Note: A variance and waiver request form is available by accessing 
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/library/f-60289.htm.
2. The department may grant a substance use overdose treat-
ment program[s application for a waiver or variance if the depart-
ment determines that all of the following criteria are met:
a. Strict enforcement of the nonstatutory requirements iden-
tified in the waiver or variance application would result in an un-
reasonable hardship for the substance use overdose treatment 
program.
b. The proposed waiver or variance will not diminish the ef-
fectiveness of the services provided.
c. The proposed waiver or variance will not jeopardize the 
health, safety, welfare, or rights of any participant. 
d. The proposed waiver or variance is consistent with all 
state and federal laws.
3. If a substance use overdose treatment program[s proposed 
waiver or variance is granted, the department may specify a time-
frame or time limit for the waiver or variance.
(b) Rescinding or further limiting a waiver or variance. 1. 
The department may rescind or limit a waiver or variance at any 
time if any of the following occurs:
a. The department determines the waiver or variance has ad-
versely affected or is likely to adversely affect the health, safety, 
or welfare recipients of the program.
b. The substance use overdose treatment program fails to 
comply with any of the conditions of the waiver or variance as 
granted.
2. The department shall inform a program in writing if it re-
scinds or limits a waiver or variance.
History: CR 24-081 : cr. Register September 2025 No. 837 , eff. 10-1-25; 
renum. 72.09 to 72.085 under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 1., Stats., and renumber (10) (b) 
(intro.) to (10) (b) 1. (intro.) and correction made under 35.17, Stats., renumber 
(10) (b) 1., 2., 3. to (10) (b) 1. a., b., 2., under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 1., and correction in 
(10) (a) 1. made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 4., Stats. and correction in (10) (a) 2. d. 
made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register September 2025 No. 837.
DHS 72.09 Program statement. A substance use over-
dose treatment program shall complete a statement that describes 
the treatment and services provided by the program. The program 
statement must include all of the following:
(1) A description of the substance use overdose treatment 
program[s organizational and service structure which may in-
clude a mixture of employed or contracted staff or agencies to 
fulfill the program[s objectives.
(2) A description of the continuum of behavioral health and 
recovery support services the substance use overdose treatment 
program intends to provide to participants to prevent or respond 
to an overdose, including all of the following:
(a) Participants that will be served.
(b) How participants are referred to the program.
(c) Screening and admission criteria, including participant el-
igibility criteria.
(d) Assessment and service planning requirements. 
(e) Mental health or substance use treatment and services 
provided. 
(f) Care coordination activities.
(g) Peer recovery support services provided by peer recovery 
Published under s. 35.93, Stats. Updated on the first day of each month. Entire code is always current. The Register date on each page is the date 
the chapter was last published. 
Register September 2025 No. 837
Published under s. 35.93, Wis. Stats., by the Legislative Reference Bureau.
5 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES DHS 72.12
coaches including encouraging individuals to seek treatment for a 
substance use disorder following an overdose. 
(h) Additional services that may be provided or coordinated 
with the program[s services, including any of the following:
1. Community organizations that support recovery.
2. Education, training, and employment services; housing 
services.
3. Child welfare agencies.
(i) Transportation to and from services.
(j) Discharge planning and follow-up services.
(k) How the services are trauma informed, strengths based, 
and culturally responsive.
(3) A description of how the substance use overdose treat-
ment program will provide access to medications to reverse 
overdose.
(4) A description of the education on preventing and revers-
ing an overdose that the substance use overdose treatment pro-
gram will provide to patients and families.
(5) A description of how the substance use overdose treat-
ment program will collect and evaluate data on the outcomes of 
individuals receiving peer recovery support services and coordi-
nation of care services.
History: CR 24-081: cr. Register September 2025 No. 837, eff. 10-1-25.
DHS 72.10 Required policies and procedures. A 
substance use overdose treatment program certified under this 
chapter shall have written personnel policies and procedures that 
describe all of the following:
(1) Clinical assessment and treatment planning procedures.
(2) Care coordination and continuation of care.
(3) Peer recovery support services that are provided.
(4) Treatment or other services provided.
(5) Orientation and training requirements of program staff, 
including those found in s. DHS 72.05.
(6) Supervision of program staff.
(7) If co-supervising peer recovery coaches under s. DHS 
72.06 (4), information on how peer recovery coaches will be co-
supervised, including all of the following:
(a) The structure of the co-supervision arrangement between 
the competent mental health professional and the peer recovery 
coach supervisor.
(b) Requirements for those who provide peer recovery coach 
supervision, consistent with s. DHS 72.06 (5) , and their 
responsibilities.
(8) Discharge planning, including follow-up services, and re-
ferral services.
(9) Where participant records will be maintained and how 
confidentiality requirements of those records will be safe-
guarded, as required under s. DHS 72.14 (4).
History: CR 24-081: cr. Register September 2025 No. 837, eff. 10-1-25.
DHS 72.11 General qualifications. (1) Supervisors 
and staff licensed or certified by the department of safety and 
professional services to provide behavioral health services must 
follow the current scope of practice established by applicable 
rules.
(2) Each staff member shall have the professional certifica-
tion, training, experience, and ability to carry out their assigned 
duties.
(3) The peer recovery coach providing peer recovery support 
services must complete all of the training and work experience 
required in s. DHS 72.05.
(4) Each applicant must pass a state background check as pro-
vided in s. 50.065, Stats., and ch. DHS 12. If the applicant lived 
in another state at any time in the three years preceding the date 
of the background check, a background check shall be obtained 
from that state as well.
(5) Programs shall comply with caregiver misconduct report-
ing and investigation requirements in ch. DHS 13.
Note: For a state of Wisconsin background check, obtain the name, sex, race, and 
date of birth of the person about whom you are requesting the check. Information 
on the process and fees for a background check can be found online at 
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/caregiver/cbcprocess.htm.
(6) Employee personnel records shall be available upon re-
quest for review by the department. A separate record for each 
employee shall be maintained, kept current, and, at a minimum, 
include all of the following:
(a) A written job description including duties, responsibili-
ties, and qualifications required for the employee.
(b) Beginning date of employment.
(c) Qualifications based on education or experience.
(d) A completed caregiver background check following proce-
dures under s. 50.065, Stats., and ch. DHS 12.
(e) A copy of a signed statement regarding confidentiality of 
participant information.
(f) Documentation of any required training.
(g) A copy of any required licenses or certifications.
(7) The program shall employ all of the following personnel:
(a) A program administrator. Each program shall have a pro-
gram administrator who is responsible for the overall operations 
of the program and to ensure that the program complies with this 
rule chapter and other applicable state and federal laws.
(b) A competent mental health professional. Each program 
shall employ or contract with at least one competent mental 
health professional who is responsible for providing direct super-
vision for peer recovery coaches, peer recovery coach supervi-
sors, or both. The competent mental health professional may also 
provide clinical or administrative services, or both.
(c) A peer recovery coach. Each program shall employ or 
contract with at least one peer recovery coach who is responsible 
for providing peer recovery support and assistance to participants 
in response to or following a substance use overdose, or to partic-
ipants who have mental illness or substance use challenges or 
who are at high risk for a substance use overdose.
(d) If utilizing a co-supervision model, a peer recovery coach 
supervisor. A peer recovery coach supervisor shall meet all of 
the applicable requirements under subch. II. The peer recovery 
coach supervisor can only provide direct supervision to other 
peer recovery coaches in conjunction with a competent mental 
health professional in a co-supervision model.
(8) Required personnel must comply with continuing educa-
tion requirements for their licensure or certification. This must 
include at least eight hours continuing education required under s. 
DHS 72.05 (4).
History: CR 24-081: cr. Register September 2025 No. 837, eff. 10-1-25; cor-
rection made in (4), (6), (7) (c) made under s. 35.17, Stats., and correction in (7) 
(d) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 4., Stats., Register September 2025 No. 837.
DHS 72.12 Orientation, training, and continuing 
education. All personnel must receive relevant orientation, 
training, and education. The substance use overdose treatment 
program shall have a designee who is responsible for informing 
the staff of all expected orientation, on-going training, and con-
tinuing education. Both internal or external trainings, or both, 
may be used to satisfy these requirements. All updated, written 
copies of the orientation, ongoing training, and continuing educa-
tion shall be maintained as part of the central administrative 
records of the program.
History: CR 24-081: cr. Register September 2025 No. 837, eff. 10-1-25.
Published under s. 35.93, Stats. Updated on the first day of each month. Entire code is always current. The Register date on each page is the date 
the chapter was last published. 
Register September 2025 No. 837
Published under s. 35.93, Wis. Stats., by the Legislative Reference Bureau.
DHS 72.13 WISCONSIN ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 6
DHS 72.13 Participant rights. (1) The substance use 
overdose treatment program shall comply with the participant 
rights and grievance resolution procedures in s. 51.61, Stats., and 
ch. DHS 94.
(2) The substance use overdose treatment program adminis-
trator shall ensure that the participant understands the options of 
using the formal and informal grievance resolution process in s. 
DHS 94.40 (4) and (5).
History: CR 24-081: cr. Register September 2025 No. 837, eff. 10-1-25.
DHS 72.14 Participant service records. (1) The sub-
stance use overdose treatment program shall maintain in a central 
location a service record for each participant. Each record shall 
include sufficient information to demonstrate that the program 
has an accurate understanding of the participant, the participant[s 
needs, desired outcomes, and progress toward goals. Entries 
shall be legible, dated and signed.
(2) Each participant record shall be organized in a consistent 
format and include a legend to explain any symbol or abbrevia-
tion used. All of the following information shall be included in 
the participant[s record:
(a) Results of the assessment.
(b) Initial and updated plans.
(c) Treatment and service delivery information, including all 
of the following:
1. Service provider notes in accordance with standard profes-
sional documentation practices.
2. Records of referrals of the participant to outside resources.
3. Documentation of the participant [s progress toward goals 
and changes in services provided.
4. Discharge summary and any related information.
5. Any other information that is appropriate for the partici-
pant service record.
(3) Peer recovery support service delivery information shall 
be kept in accordance with s. DHS 72.07.
(4) Each participant service record shall be maintained pur-
suant to the confidentiality requirements under the health insur-
ance portability and accountability act of 1996, 42 USC 1320d-2, 
s. 51.30, Stats., ch. DHS 92 and, if applicable, 42 CFR Part 2 . 
Electronic records and electronic signatures shall meet the re-
quirements in 45 CFR 164 Subpart C.
History: CR 24-081: cr. Register September 2025 No. 837, eff. 10-1-25; cor-
rection in (4) made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register September 2025 No. 837.
DHS 72.15 Discharge summary. Within 30 days after 
a participant[s date of discharge the substance use overdose treat-
ment program shall prepare a discharge summary and enter it into 
the participant file. The discharge summary shall be signed and 
dated by a competent mental health professional and include all 
of the following:
(1) A description of the reasons for discharge.
(2) Any remaining participant needs at the time of discharge 
and the recommendations for meeting those needs.
History: CR 24-081: cr. Register September 2025 No. 837, eff. 10-1-25; (in-
tro.), (1), (2) renum. from (1) (intro.), (a), (b) under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 1. , Stats., 
Register September 2025 No. 837.
Published under s. 35.93, Stats. Updated on the first day of each month. Entire code is always current. The Register date on each page is the date 
the chapter was last published. 
Register September 2025 No. 837