Facility Licensing
Back to Licensing and Certification The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has sole authority to license facilities providing residential nonmedical services to eligible adults who are recovering from problems related to alcohol or other drug (AOD) misuse or abuse. Licensure is required when one or more of the following services is provided: detoxification, individual sessions, group sessions, educational sessions, or alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment planning, incidental medical services. Additionally, facilities may be subject to other types of permits, clearances, business taxes or local fees that may be required by the cities or counties in which the facilities are located. You may also want to check with your county alcohol and drug program office to ensure compliance with any requirements they might have.
Many facilities licensed by DHCS are also certified. Certification by DHCS identifies those facilities that exceed minimum levels of service quality and are in substantial compliance with State program standards, specifically the Alcohol and/or Other Drug Certification Standards.
Providers seeking information on obtaining a license should read the instructions and procedures contained within the Initial Treatment Provider Application (DHCS 6002). Applicants must complete the Initial Treatment Provider Application and submit all required documentation and fees specified in the application.
Providers seeking information on adding or revising services to an existing licensed facility should read the instructions and procedures contained within the Supplemental
Application Request for Additional Services (DHCS 5255). Applicants must complete the Supplemental Application Request for Additional Services and submit all required documentation and fees specified in the application.
DHCS Level of Care Designation
In addition to obtaining a license from DHCS, in accordance with California Health and Safety Code Section 11834.015, all licensed adult alcoholism or drug recovery or treatment facilities will be required to obtain at least one DHCS Level of Care Designation and/or at least one residential American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Level of Care Certification consistent with all its program services and maintain the applicable standard of care for that designation as a condition of its licensure. More information on
DHCS Level of Care Designation is available on this website.
Please contact the Licensing and Certification Division by calling (916) 322-2911 or by e-mail at
LCDQuestions@dhcs.ca.gov for more information. Information on
Facility Certification is also available on this website.
Residential facilities licensed by other State departments such as the Department of Social Services (DSS) or the Department of Public Health (DPH) do not require a residential AOD license by DHCS.
Applications, forms and fees associated with licensing a facility and
Resources are available on this website.
