46.001
46.001
Purposes of chapter. The purposes of this chapter are to conserve human resources in Wisconsin; to prevent dependency, mental illness, developmental disability, mental infirmity, and other forms of social maladjustment by a continuous attack on causes; to provide effective aid and services to all persons in need of that aid and those services and to assist those persons to achieve or regain self-dependence at the earliest possible date; to avoid duplication and waste of effort and money on the part of public and private agencies; and to coordinate and integrate a social welfare program.
46.011(1)
(1) "Department" means the department of health services.
46.011(2)
(2) "Prisoner" means any person who is either arrested, incarcerated, imprisoned or otherwise detained in excess of 12 hours by any law enforcement agency of this state, except when detention is pursuant to
s. 51.15,
51.20,
51.45 (11) (b) or
55.135 (1) or
ch. 980. "Prisoner" does not include any person who is serving a sentence of detention under
s. 973.03 (4) unless the person is in the county jail under
s. 973.03 (4) (c).
46.011(3)
(3) "Secretary" means the secretary of health services.
46.011(4)
(4) "State health planning and development agency" means the department, as designated under
s. 250.04 (12).
46.014
46.014
Secretary, powers and duties. 46.014(1)
(1)
Inventories. On or before July 1 in each year, the secretary shall cause full and complete inventories and appraisals to be made of all the property of each institution administered by the department, which shall be recorded and so classified as to show separately the amount, kind and value of such property.
46.014(2)
(2) Visitation. The secretary shall cause each of said institutions to be visited and inspected at least once a month to ascertain whether the officers and employees therein are competent and faithful in the discharge of their duties, all inmates properly cared for and governed, all accounts, books and vouchers properly kept, and all the business affairs properly conducted.
46.014(3)
(3) Powers and duties. The secretary shall plan for and establish within the department a program of research designed to determine the effectiveness of the treatment, curative and rehabilitative programs of the various institutions and divisions of the department. The secretary may inquire into any matter affecting social welfare and hold hearings and subpoena witnesses and make recommendations to the appropriate agencies, public or private, thereon.
46.016
46.016
Cooperation with federal government. The department may cooperate with the federal government in carrying out federal acts concerning public assistance, social security, mental hygiene, services for the blind, and in other matters of mutual concern pertaining to public welfare.
46.016 Cross-reference
Cross Reference: See also chs.
DHS 5 and
149, Wis. adm. code.
46.017
46.017
Legal actions. The department may sue and be sued.
46.018
46.018
Disbursement of funds and facsimile signatures. Withdrawal or disbursement of moneys deposited in a public depository, as defined in
s. 34.01 (5), to the credit of the department or any of its divisions or agencies shall be by check, share draft or other draft signed by the secretary or by one or more persons in the department designated by written authorization of the secretary. Such checks, share drafts and other drafts shall be signed personally or by use of a mechanical device adopted by the secretary or his or her designees for affixing a facsimile signature. Any public depository shall be fully warranted and protected in making payment on any check, share draft or other draft bearing such facsimile signature notwithstanding that the facsimile may have been placed thereon without the authority of the secretary or his or her designees.
46.018 History
History: 1983 a. 189 s.
329 (21);
1983 a. 368,
538.
46.02
46.02
Agency powers and duties. Any institution that is subject to
chs. 46,
49 to
51,
55, and
58 and to regulation under
ch. 150 shall, in cases of conflict between
chs. 46,
49 to
51,
55, and
58 and
ch. 150, be governed by
ch. 150. The department shall promulgate rules and establish procedures for resolving any such a conflict.
46.027
46.027
Contract powers. 46.027(1)(1)
Religious organizations; Legislative purpose. The purpose of this section is to allow the department to contract with, or award grants to, religious organizations, under any program administered by the department, on the same basis as any other nongovernmental provider without impairing the religious character of such organizations, and without diminishing the religious freedom of beneficiaries of assistance funded under such program.
46.027(2)
(2) Nondiscrimination against religious organizations. If the department is authorized under
ch. 16 to contract with a nongovernmental entity, or is authorized to award grants to a nongovernmental entity, religious organizations are eligible, on the same basis as any other private organization, as contractors under any program administered by the department so long as the programs are implemented consistent with the
First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and
article I, section 18 of the Wisconsin Constitution. Except as provided in
sub. (10), the department may not discriminate against an organization that is or applies to be a contractor on the basis that the organization has a religious character.
46.027(3)
(3) Religious character and freedom. 46.027(3)(a)(a) The department shall allow a religious organization with which the department contracts or to which the department awards a grant to retain its independence from state and local governments, including the organization's control over the definition, development, practice and expression of its religious beliefs.
46.027(3)(b)
(b) The department may not require a religious organization to alter its form of internal governance or to remove religious art, icons, scripture or other symbols in order to be eligible for a contract or grant.
46.027(4)
(4) Rights of beneficiaries of assistance. If an individual has an objection to the religious character of the organization or institution from which the individual receives, or would receive, assistance funded under any program administered by the department, the department shall provide such individual, if otherwise eligible for such assistance, within a reasonable period of time after the date of the objection with assistance from an alternative provider that is accessible to the individual. The value of the assistance offered by the alternative provider may not be less than the value of the assistance which the individual would have received from the religious organization.
46.027(5)
(5) Employment practices. To the extent permitted under federal law, a religious organization's exemption provided under
42 USC 2000e-la regarding employment practices is not affected by its participation in, or receipt of funds from, programs administered by the department.
46.027(6)
(6) Nondiscrimination against beneficiaries. A religious organization may not discriminate against an individual in regard to rendering assistance funded under any program administered by the department on the basis of religion, a religious belief or refusal to actively participate in a religious practice.
46.027(7)(a)(a) Except as provided in
par. (b), any religious organization that contracts with, or receives a grant from, the department is subject to the same laws and rules as other contractors to account in accord with generally accepted auditing principles for the use of such funds provided under such programs.
46.027(7)(b)
(b) If the religious organization segregates funds provided under programs administered by the department into separate accounts, then only the financial assistance provided with those funds shall be subject to audit.
46.027(8)
(8) Compliance. Any party that seeks to enforce its rights under this section may assert a civil action for injunctive relief against the entity or agency that allegedly commits the violation.
46.027(9)
(9) Limitations on use of funds for certain purposes. No funds provided directly to religious organizations by the department may be expended for sectarian worship, instruction or proselytization.
46.027(10)
(10) Preemption. Nothing in this section may be construed to preempt any provision of federal law, the U.S. Constitution, the Wisconsin Constitution or any other statute that prohibits or restricts the expenditure of federal or state funds in or by religious organizations.
46.027 History
History: 1997 a. 27.
46.03
46.03
Department, powers and duties. The department shall:
46.03(1)
(1) Institutions governed. Maintain and govern the Mendota and the Winnebago mental health institutes; the secure mental health facility established under
s. 46.055; and the centers for the developmentally disabled.
46.03(2)
(2) Supervision over property. Supervise, manage, preserve and care for the buildings, grounds and other property pertaining to said institutions, and promote the objects for which they are established.
46.03 Cross-reference
Cross Reference: See also ch.
DHS 60, Wis. adm. code.
46.03(2a)
(2a) Gifts. Be authorized to accept gifts, grants or donations of money or of property from private sources to be administered by the department for the execution of its functions. All moneys so received shall be paid into the general fund and are appropriated therefrom as provided in
s. 20.435 (9) (i).
46.03(3)
(3) Trustee duty. Take and hold in trust, whenever it considers acceptance advantageous, all property transferred to the state to be applied to any specified purpose, use or benefit pertaining to any of the institutions under its control or the inmates thereof, and apply the same in accordance with the trust; and when ordered by the court, act as trustee of funds paid for the support of any child if appointed by the court or a circuit court commissioner under
s. 767.82 (7).
46.03(4)(a)(a) Develop and maintain education and prevention programs that it considers to be proper.
46.03(4)(b)
(b) In order to discharge more effectively its responsibilities under this chapter and other relevant provisions of the statutes, be authorized to study causes and methods of prevention and treatment of mental illness, mental deficiency, mental infirmity, and related social problems, including establishment of demonstration projects to apply and evaluate such methods in actual cases. The department is directed and authorized to utilize all powers provided by the statutes, including the authority under
sub. (2a), to accept grants of money or property from federal, state, or private sources, and to enlist the cooperation of other appropriate agencies and state departments. The department may enter into agreements with local government subdivisions, departments, and agencies for the joint conduct of these projects, and it may purchase services when considered appropriate.
46.03(5)(a)(a) Execute the laws relating to the custody, care and treatment of mentally ill, mentally infirm and mentally deficient persons, inebriates and drug addicts. It shall examine all institutions, public and private, authorized to receive and care for such persons, and inquire into the method of government and the management of persons therein, and examine into the condition of buildings, grounds and other property connected with any such institution and into matters relating to its management.
46.03(5)(b)
(b) Direct the psychiatric field work, aftercare and community supervision and exercise such powers in relation to prevention as the department deems appropriate.
46.03(7)(a)(a) Promote the enforcement of laws for the protection of developmentally disabled children; and to this end cooperate with courts assigned to exercise jurisdiction under
chs. 48 and
938, licensed child welfare agencies, and public and private institutions and take the initiative in all matters involving the interests of those children when adequate provision for those interests has not already been made, including the establishment and enforcement of standards for services provided under
ss. 48.345 and
48.347.
46.03(7)(bm)
(bm) Maintain a file containing records of artificial inseminations under
s. 891.40 and statements acknowledging paternity under
s. 69.15 (3) (b). The department may release those records and statements only upon an order of the court except that the department may use nonidentifying information concerning artificial inseminations for the purpose of compiling statistics, and statements acknowledging paternity shall be released without a court order to the department of children and families or a county child support agency under
s. 59.53 (5) upon the request of that department or county child support agency pursuant to the program responsibilities under
s. 49.22 or to any other person with a direct and tangible interest in the statement.
46.03(10)
(10) Training staff. In its discretion, conduct a training program of in-service training and staff development; and, in cooperation with educational institutions, provide facilities for work experience for students, including subsistence.
46.03(13)
(13) Charges. In compliance with the compensation plan established under
s. 230.12 (3), have authority to make and determine charges for meals, living quarters, laundry and other services furnished to employees of the several institutions and members of the employee's family maintained as such. All moneys received from each person on account of these services shall be used for operation of the institutions under
s. 20.435 (2) (a) and
(gk). If a chaplain employed in any state institution administered by the department is not furnished a residence by the state, $1,800 or 20% of the chaplain's salary, whichever is greater, is designated as his or her housing allowance.
46.03(14)
(14) Vending stands. Establish and maintain a revolving fund not exceeding $60,000 in any of the state institutions administered by the department, for the education, recreation and convenience of the patients, inmates and employees, to be used for the operation of vending stands, canteen operations, reading clubs, musical organizations, religious programs, athletics and similar projects. The funds are exempt from
s. 20.906, but are subject to audit by the department and the legislative audit bureau in its discretion.
46.03(15)
(15) Commissary. Pursuant to its rules the department may, with the approval of the governor and the director of personnel, provide employees in its institutions with laundry, food, housing and necessary furnishings.
46.03(17)
(17) Purchase of care and services. Be empowered to contract with public or voluntary agencies or others:
46.03(17)(a)
(a) To purchase in full or in part care and services which it is authorized by any statute to provide as an alternative to providing such care and services itself.
46.03(17)(b)
(b) To purchase or provide in full or in part the care and services which county agencies may provide or purchase under any statute and to sell to county agencies such portions thereof as the county agency may desire to purchase.
46.03(17)(d)
(d) To sell services, under contract, which the department is authorized to provide by statute, to any federally recognized tribal governing body.
46.03(18)
(18) Uniform fee schedule, liability and collections. 46.03(18)(a)(a) Except as provided in
s. 46.10 (14) (b) and
(c), the department shall establish a uniform system of fees for services provided or purchased by the department, or a county department under
s. 46.215,
46.22,
51.42, or
51.437, except for services provided under
ch. 48 and
subch. III of ch. 49; services provided to courts; outreach, information and referral services; or when, as determined by the department, a fee is administratively unfeasible or would significantly prevent accomplishing the purpose of the service. A county department under
s. 46.215,
46.22,
51.42, or
51.437 shall apply the fees that it collects under this program to cover the cost of those services.
46.03(18)(ar)
(ar) A county may retain fees that it collects under this subsection for services the county provides without state funding under the disabled children's long-term support program.
46.03(18)(b)
(b) Except as provided in
s. 46.10 (14) (b) and
(c), any person receiving services provided or purchased under
par. (a) or the spouse of the person and, in the case of a minor, the parents of the person, and, in the case of a foreign child described in
s. 48.839 (1) who became dependent on public funds for his or her primary support before an order granting his or her adoption, the resident of this state appointed guardian of the child by a foreign court who brought the child into this state for the purpose of adoption, shall be liable for the services in the amount of the fee established under
par. (a). If a minor receives services without consent of a parent or guardian under
s. 51.47, the department shall base the fee solely on the minor's ability to pay.
46.03(18)(c)
(c) The department shall make collections from the person who in the opinion of the department is best able to pay, giving due regard to the present needs of the person or of his or her lawful dependents. The department may bring action in the name of the department to enforce the liability established under
par. (b). The department may not collect from the parent of a minor receiving treatment for alcohol or drug abuse, except as provided in
s. 51.47. This paragraph does not apply to the recovery of fees for the care and services specified under
s. 46.10.
46.03(18)(d)
(d) The department may compromise or waive all or part of the liability for services received. The sworn statement of the collection and deportation counsel appointed under
s. 46.10 (7) or the department secretary, shall be evidence of the services provided and the fees charged for such services.
46.03(18)(e)
(e) The department may delegate to county departments under
s. 46.215,
46.22,
51.42 or
51.437 and other providers of care and services the powers and duties vested in the department by
pars. (c) and
(d) as it deems necessary to efficiently administer this subsection, subject to such conditions as the department deems appropriate.
46.03(18)(f)
(f) Notwithstanding
par. (a), any person who submits to an assessment or airman or driver safety plan under
s. 23.33 (13) (e),
30.80 (6) (d),
114.09 (2) (bm),
343.16 (5) (a),
343.30 (1q),
343.305 (10) or
350.11 (3) (d) shall pay a reasonable fee therefor to the appropriate county department under
s. 51.42 or traffic safety school under
s. 345.60. A county may allow the person to pay the assessment fee in 1, 2, 3 or 4 equal installments. The fee for the airman or driver safety plan may be reduced or waived if the person is unable to pay the complete fee, but no fee for assessment or attendance at a traffic safety school under
s. 345.60 may be reduced or waived. Nonpayment of the assessment fee is noncompliance with the court order that required completion of an assessment and airman or driver safety plan. Upon a finding that the person has the ability to pay, nonpayment of the airman or driver safety plan fee is noncompliance with the court order that required completion of an assessment and airman or driver safety plan.
46.03(18)(fm)
(fm) Notwithstanding
par. (a), any person who submits to an assessment under
s. 961.472 shall pay a fee to the appropriate county department under
s. 51.42. The department of health services shall set fees for each county department under
s. 51.42 designed to offset all the costs to the county in providing the assessment program. The department of health services shall provide for the reduction or waiver of the fee for persons who are unable to pay the complete fee.
46.03(18)(g)
(g) The department shall return to county departments under
s. 46.215,
46.22,
51.42 or
51.437 50% of collections made by the department on and after January 1, 1978, for delinquent accounts previously delegated under
par. (e) and then referred back to the department for collections.
46.03(19)
(19) Protective services. Administer the statewide program of protective services under
ch. 55.
46.03(20)(a)(a) Except for payments provided under
ch. 48 or
subch. III of ch. 49, the department may make payments directly to recipients of public assistance or to such persons authorized to receive such payments in accordance with law and rules of the department on behalf of the counties. Except for payments provided under
ch. 48 or
subch. III of ch. 49, the department may charge the counties for the cost of operating public assistance systems which make such payments.
46.03(20)(b)
(b) The department may make social service payments directly to recipients, vendors or providers in accordance with law and rules of the department on behalf of the counties which have contracts to have such payments made on their behalf.
46.03(20)(c)
(c) The county department under
s. 46.215,
46.22 or
46.23 shall provide the department with information which the department shall use to determine each person's eligibility and amount of payment. The county department under
s. 46.215,
46.22 or
46.23 shall provide the department all necessary information in the manner prescribed by the department.
46.03(20)(d)
(d) The department shall disburse from state or federal funds or both the entire amount and charge the county for its share under
s. 46.495.
46.03(22)
(22) Community living arrangements for adults. 46.03(22)(a)(a) In this subsection, "community living arrangement for adults" means a community-based residential facility, as defined in
s. 50.01 (1g).
46.03(22)(b)
(b) Community living arrangements for adults shall be subject to the same building and housing ordinances, codes, and regulations of the municipality or county as similar residences located in the area in which the facility is located.
46.03(22)(c)
(c) The department shall designate a subunit to keep records and supply information on community living arrangements for adults under
ss. 59.69 (15) (f),
60.63 (7), and
62.23 (7) (i) 6. The subunit shall be responsible for receiving all complaints regarding community living arrangements for adults and for coordinating all necessary investigatory and disciplinary actions under the laws of this state and under the rules of the department relating to the licensing of community living arrangements for adults.
46.03(22)(d)
(d) A community living arrangement for adults with a capacity for 8 or fewer persons shall be a permissible use for purposes of any deed covenant which limits use of property to single-family or 2-family residences. A community living arrangement for adults with a capacity for 15 or fewer persons shall be a permissible use for purposes of any deed covenant which limits use of property to more than 2-family residences. Covenants in deeds which expressly prohibit use of property for community living arrangements for adults are void as against public policy.
46.03(22)(e)
(e) If a community living arrangement for adults is required to obtain special zoning permission, as defined in
s. 59.69 (15) (g), the department shall, at the request of the unit of government responsible for granting the special zoning permission, inspect the proposed facility and review the program proposed for the facility. After such inspection and review, the department shall transmit to the unit of government responsible for granting the special zoning permission a statement that the proposed facility and its proposed program have been examined and are either approved or disapproved by the department.
46.03(25)
(25) Uniform regulation and licensing. The department shall promulgate rules to establish licensing and program compliance standards for care and residential facilities, hospitals, hotels, restaurants and the vending of food and beverages after due consideration of the relationship of a licensing code to other related licensing codes, the need for uniform administration, the need to maximize the use of federal funds and the need to encourage the development and operation of needed facilities statewide. In establishing licensing standards designed to ensure that the facility qualifies for federal financial participation, the department shall establish federal regulations as the base requirement. The department may promulgate such additional health and safety standards as it determines to be in the public interest.
46.03(26)
(26) Data processing projects. Submit a report each December 31 to the joint committee on finance and to the chief clerk of each house of the legislature, for distribution to the appropriate standing committees under
s. 13.172 (3), regarding the data processing projects under development. The report shall include:
