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​​​​Program Certification

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The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has the sole authority to certify and monitor all outpatient alcohol or other drug programs, also known as substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs that offer treatment, recovery, detoxification, or Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) services. DHCS-certified SUD treatment programs are required to comply with the outlined requirement in the DHCS Certification for Alcohol and Other Drug Programs​ (revised February 2025); these certification requirements are effective immediately and supersedes previous versions.​

SUD treatment facilities operating in the following settings are exempt from certification by DHCS, but may voluntarily seek certification if they meet the requirements outlined in the Certification for Alcohol and Other Programs (revised February 2025):

  1. Adult alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facilities, driving-under- the-influence programs, and narcotic treatment programs licensed by DHCS.
  2. Clinics licensed by the State Department of Public Health in accordance with Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 1200) of Division 2.
  3. Health facilities licensed by the State Department of Public Health in accordance with Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 1250) of Division 2.
  4. Community care facilities licensed by the State Department of Social Services in accordance with Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 1500) of Division 2.
  5. Residential care facilities for persons with chronic, life-threatening illness licensed by the State Department of Social Services in accordance with Chapter 3.01 (commencing with Section 1568.01) of Division 2.
  6. Residential care facilities for the elderly licensed by the State Department of Social Services in accordance with Chapter 3.2 (commencing with Section 1569) of Division 2.
  7. Adult day health care center's licensed by the State Department of Social Services in accordance with Chapter 3.3 (commencing with Section 1570) of Division 2.
  8. Public elementary and secondary schools as defined in the Education Code.
  9. County jails and state correctional institutions, including juvenile justice facilities.

Providers seeking information on obtaining certification should read the instructions and procedures contained within the Initial Application for Certification (DHCS 6040​). Applicants must complete the Initial Application for Certification form and submit all required documentation and fees specified in the application.

Certified providers seeking information on adding or revising services to an existing certified outpatient program should read the instructions and procedures contained within the Application for Certification Amendment(s) (DHCS 6042​). Applicants must complete the Application for Certification Amendment(s) form and submit all required documentation and fees specified in the application.

Certified providers shall submit to DHCS the Application for Certification Renewal (DHCS 6043​), biennial fees, and all required information at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of certification. Failure to submit the Application for Certification Renewal form and fees for certification renewal at least 90 days prior to the expiration of certification shall result in automatic termination of the certification at the end of the two-year period.​

Providers interested in applying for a DHCS license to operate a residential nonmedical facility providing SUD treatment services to qualified adults should visit our Facility Licensing page for further information.

Please contact the Licensing and Certification Division by calling (916) 322-2911 or by e-mail LCDQuestions@dhcs.ca.gov for more information. 

Applications, forms, and fees associated with certification of a facility and Resources are available on this website. ​

Last modified date: 2/4/2025 8:32 AM