Frequently Asked Questions
Answers for independent nurses, members, and families about Wisconsin Professional Homecare Providers, membership, our members-only area and job board, and getting started in private duty nursing in Wisconsin.
Membership and Customer Service
What is Wisconsin Professional Homecare Providers (PHP)?
Wisconsin Professional Homecare Providers (PHP) is a non-profit professional organization for independent nurses who provide private duty nursing and skilled home care across Wisconsin. We support nurses in independent practice and help families of medically fragile children and adults keep a choice in who provides their care.
Who can join Wisconsin PHP?
Our membership consists of Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who practice, or want to practice, as independent home care providers in Wisconsin. If you are unsure whether membership is right for you, contact us and we will point you in the right direction.
How much does membership cost?
Membership is $50 per year. Dues support education, advocacy, the members-only resource area, and the annual conference that keeps Wisconsin private duty nurses connected and informed.
How do I join or renew my membership?
You can join or renew online through our Membership page. Payment can be made securely by credit or debit card through PayPal, or by mailing a check. Membership is also available as an add-on when you register for the annual conference.
What are the benefits of membership?
Members get access to the members-only area with the private duty nursing job board, documentation forms, meeting minutes, newsletters, and education resources, plus the annual conference, networking with independent nurses statewide, and advocacy with the State of Wisconsin on issues that affect independent practice.
How do I pay for my membership or conference registration?
We accept PayPal, which lets you pay with a credit or debit card without needing a PayPal account, and checks by mail. Online registration must be completed even if you are paying by check.
When does my membership expire and how do I know when to renew?
Memberships are annual. Renewal reminders are sent by email, and the annual conference each October is a convenient time for many members to renew for the coming year.
How do I contact Wisconsin PHP with a question?
Email us at PHP.Wisconsin@gmail.com or use the Contact Us page on this website. A board member will get back to you as soon as possible. We are a volunteer-run organization, so please allow a little time for a reply.
I forgot my password. How do I log in to the members area?
Use the Member Login link at the top of the website and click the lost password option to reset it by email. If you still cannot get in, contact us and we will reset your account access.
How do I update my contact information or email address?
Log in to the members area and update your profile, or email us at PHP.Wisconsin@gmail.com with your new information and we will update your membership record.
Can nursing students or other health professionals join?
Membership is designed for RNs and LPNs in independent practice. If you are a nursing student or another professional interested in home care in Wisconsin, contact us. We are happy to answer questions and share resources as you work toward licensure.
Are membership dues or conference fees refundable?
Please see our Agreement and Terms page for current payment and refund details, or contact the board with questions about a specific payment. Conference registration deadlines and walk-in fees are listed on the Conference page.
Are my dues tax deductible?
Wisconsin PHP is a non-profit professional organization, and many nurses treat dues and conference fees as professional expenses. Please consult your tax professional for guidance on your specific situation.
Who runs Wisconsin PHP?
PHP is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of practicing nurses, including a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and general board members. Elections for open board positions are held at the annual conference.
How can I get more involved with PHP?
We welcome members who want to serve on the board, help with the annual conference, mentor new independent nurses, or share expertise at meetings. A Secretary position is currently open for nomination. Contact us and let us know how you would like to help.
Members Area, Job Board, and Becoming an Independent Nurse
What is in the members-only area?
The members-only area includes our private duty nursing job board, downloadable nursing documentation and forms, meeting minutes, newsletters, education materials, and state program updates for nurses in independent practice in Wisconsin.
How do I access the job board?
Log in with your member account using the Member Login link. Once logged in, the job board lists current private duty nursing cases and client openings across Wisconsin.
How do families request a nurse through Wisconsin PHP?
Families and case managers can submit a job posting request through our website. The posting is shared on the members-only job board, where independent RNs and LPNs looking for clients can respond directly.
Can I share content from the members area?
No. Sharing of any content in the members-only area is prohibited. Resources, forms, and job postings are a benefit of membership and are for members only.
How do independent nurses find clients through PHP?
PHP connects families in need of skilled home nursing with member nurses looking for clients through the job board, networking at meetings, and referrals within our statewide community of independent providers.
What education does PHP provide?
PHP provides education through regular meetings, the members-only resource library, and the annual conference, which includes speakers from state agencies, hands-on respiratory equipment training, and CPR and ventilator recertification classes.
What is a nurse in independent practice (NIP)?
A nurse in independent practice, sometimes called an independent nurse provider or private duty nurse, is an RN or LPN who contracts directly to provide skilled nursing care, most often in the home of the client, rather than working through a staffing agency.
How do I become an independent nurse provider in Wisconsin?
In general you need an active Wisconsin RN or LPN license, enrollment as a Medicaid provider through Wisconsin ForwardHealth if you will serve Medicaid clients, and the required certifications for the care needs of your clients. PHP members mentor nurses through every step of this process, which is one of the biggest benefits of joining.
What license do I need for private duty nursing in Wisconsin?
You need an active Wisconsin Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse license in good standing. Additional certifications, such as CPR and ventilator certification, are required for many private duty cases.
How do independent nurses get paid?
Most independent nurses in Wisconsin bill Wisconsin Medicaid through ForwardHealth for approved private duty nursing hours. Some also serve private pay clients or other funding sources. PHP education and member resources cover billing and documentation basics.
What is EVV and does it apply to me?
Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) is a state requirement for verifying home care visits for Medicaid services. Independent nurses providing covered services in Wisconsin need to use EVV. See our EVV page for current state resources and guidance.
Do I need liability insurance as an independent nurse?
Professional liability insurance is strongly recommended for every nurse in independent practice, and many payers and families expect it. Talk with an insurance provider familiar with independent nursing, and ask fellow PHP members what has worked for them.
How do I get ventilator certified or recertified?
Pediatric and adult ventilator (RCS) recertification classes are offered at the PHP annual conference each October, taught by a licensed respiratory therapist. You must hold a current adult or pediatric certification to take the recertification class.
When is the PHP annual conference?
The 2026 PHP Annual Conference is October 18-20 at the Jefferson Street Inn in Wausau, Wisconsin. It includes a new PDN session, a full day of speakers, a respiratory equipment play date, CPR and ventilator recertification, and board elections. See the Conference page to register.