Section DHS 127.05 - Inspections and investigations(1) The department may conduct an unannounced inspection of a rural medical center facility as often as required by the federal government or as the department deems necessary. The department may investigate complaints it receives concerning the operation of a rural medical center.(2)(a) A rural medical center surveyed or investigated under this section shall provide the department with access to patient or resident health care records, regardless of the source of patient or resident health care payment, as well as clinical, financial and administrative records, throughout the duration of any survey, inspection or investigation that the department conducts.(b) A rural medical center shall release patient or resident health care records without the informed consent of the patient or resident in response to a request by any federal or state governmental agency to perform a legally authorized function, including but not limited to management audits, financial audits, program monitoring and evaluation or facility licensure or certification.(3) A survey or investigation by the department may include visits with patients or residents with the prior consent of the patients or residents. Upon the department's request, a rural medical center shall provide the department a list of names, addresses and other identifying information of current and past patients or residents. The department may select the names of the patients or residents to be visited and may visit those patients or residents with their prior consent.(4) If a rural medical center interferes with or refuses to allow any survey, inspection or investigation under this section or s. DHS 127.06, the department may suspend or revoke the rural medical center's license.Wis. Admin. Code Department of Health Services DHS 127.05
Cr. Register, February, 1999, No. 518, eff. 3-1-99.