By Hoven Consulting – WiAHC’s lobbying firm

• Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) Will Be Implemented on May 1, 2023

As of May 1, 2023, the state Department of Health Services (DHS) will begin imposing penalties when personal care and home health agencies do not collect the required electronic visit verification for Medicaid-covered personal care and supportive home care services.  This is otherwise known as the “EVV hard launch.”  The included service codes are:  T1019, T1020, S5125 and S5126. 

DHS is imposing these penalties to ensure that the state receives its full allocation of federal Medicaid funding. 

If you would like additional information, please review the April 2023 ForwardHealth Update.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact DHS EVV Customer Care at 1-833-931-2035 between 7:00AM – 6:00PM (Central Time), Monday through Friday or via email at vdxc.contactevv@wisconsin.gov.

• Temporary Health Care “Act 10” Occupational Licenses Will Continue to Be Available

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Tony Evers signed into law legislation that became 2021 Wisconsin Act 10.  This legislation allowed health care professionals who are licensed in good standing in other states to work in Wisconsin immediately, without obtaining a permanent occupational credential.  This was to ensure that Wisconsin had enough health care professionals to treat Wisconsinites during the pandemic.  These temporary licenses are known as “Act 10 licenses.”

This state law was tied to the end of the pandemic-related Presidential Emergency Declaration.  On April 10, 2023, President Biden signed federal legislation that ended this emergency declaration.  According to state law, the “Act 10 licenses” expire 30 days after the Presidential Emergency Declaration ends – which is May 10, 2023 – unless the license holder applies for a permanent license by that date.  If a license holder applies for a permanent license by that date, that individual will still be allowed to practice in Wisconsin.

In addition, there is a provision in 2021 Wisconsin Act 10 that could benefit out-of-state health care professionals who seek Wisconsin licensure after May 10, 2023, and wish to practice immediately in the state.  If an individual’s out-of-state license is in good standing, that professional could apply simultaneously in Wisconsin for an “Act 10 license” and a permanent license and would be able to practice immediately in Wisconsin. 

For more information on “Act 10 licenses,” please go to the state Department of Safety and Professional Services’ FAQ page.