Wisconsin Administrative Code Nursing Home Administrator Examining Board
Overview of the Nursing Home Administrator Examining Board
The Nursing Home Administrator Examining Board (NHA Board) is a state regulatory board responsible for licensing, regulating, and disciplining nursing home administrators in Wisconsin. Its primary purpose is to protect the public, especially nursing home residents, by ensuring administrators are qualified, ethical, and competent.
The Board operates under the Wisconsin Administrative Code, Chapters NHA 1 through NHA 5.
NHA 1 – Authority and Definitions
Purpose
This chapter explains:
The legal authority of the Board
Important definitions used throughout the rules
Key Points
The Board derives its authority from Wisconsin statutes and is empowered to:
Grant and deny licenses
Set professional standards
Enforce disciplinary actions
Definitions clarify terms such as:
“Administrator”
“Nursing home”
“Supervised training”
“Continuing education”
These definitions ensure consistency and avoid confusion when applying the rules.
NHA 2 – Requirements for Licensure
Purpose
This chapter sets out who may become licensed as a nursing home administrator and how.
Main Requirements
Education
Applicants must meet minimum educational qualifications, typically involving postsecondary education relevant to healthcare administration or management.
Training
Completion of a Board-approved administrator-in-training (AIT) program
Training must be supervised by a licensed administrator
The goal is to ensure real-world administrative competence
Examinations
Applicants must pass:
A national nursing home administrator exam
A Wisconsin jurisprudence or state-specific exam
Exams test knowledge of:
Healthcare regulations
Resident rights
Facility operations
Ethics and management
Character and Fitness
Applicants must demonstrate good moral character
Criminal history may be reviewed if relevant to professional responsibilities
NHA 3 – Renewal and Continuing Education
Purpose
Ensures administrators maintain competence after licensure.
License Renewal
Licenses must be renewed on a regular cycle
Renewal requires:
Timely application
Payment of renewal fees
Completion of continuing education
Continuing Education (CE)
Administrators must complete a set number of CE hours
CE topics typically include:
Resident care and safety
Ethics and legal compliance
Management and leadership
Quality improvement
CE must be obtained from approved or recognized providers
Records must be kept in case of audit
Failure to meet CE requirements can result in license suspension or non-renewal.
NHA 4 – Standards of Practice and Professional Conduct
Purpose
This chapter defines ethical and professional behavior expected of administrators.
Professional Standards
Administrators must:
Act in the best interests of residents
Ensure compliance with state and federal nursing home regulations
Maintain accurate records
Properly supervise staff
Protect resident rights, dignity, and safety
Prohibited Conduct
Examples include:
Negligence or incompetence
Fraud or misrepresentation
Abuse or neglect of residents
Misuse of facility funds
Violations of confidentiality
Substance abuse affecting practice
Discipline
If violations occur, the Board may:
Reprimand
Suspend
Revoke a license
Impose conditions or fines
NHA 5 – Fees
Purpose
This chapter lists required fees related to licensure.
Types of Fees
Application fees
Examination fees
Initial licensure fees
License renewal fees
Late renewal or reinstatement fees
Fees are required to support administrative and regulatory functions and must be paid within specified deadlines.
Overall Importance
The Wisconsin Administrative Code provisions for the Nursing Home Administrator Examining Board:
Protect vulnerable nursing home residents
Ensure administrators are qualified and ethical
Provide a structured licensing and oversight system
Promote ongoing professional development
Establish accountability through discipline when necessary
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