Georgia is a popular state for addiction treatment providers to call home. The state is rich in natural beauty, with access to the Atlantic coast as well as majestic mountains perfect for hikes and camping trips. 

Still, Georgia has its share of addiction problems, making addiction treatment centers a needed community service in this state. There were at least 67,367 recorded drug overdose deaths in Georgia in 2018. A full 6.51% of Georgia residents reported using illicit drugs in the last 30 days. Overall, rates of drug use are higher in urban areas than in rural areas in Georgia, which tends to be the case nationally, as well. For residents in urban areas, the rates of illicit drug use more than double to 14.8%. According to a 2011 study, marijuana is the most commonly used drug among those seeking treatment for addiction. That said, many studies have demonstrated that Georgia’s use rate and overdose rate is actually lower than the national average.   

Today, we’ll look at what you need to know about opening an addiction treatment center in Georgia. 

Georgia Calls Addiction Treatment Centers “Drug Abuse Treatment and Education Programs”

Like many government organizations, Georgia’s Department of Community Health has a strong affinity for acronyms. In all of the literature regarding licensing and certification of addiction treatment centers in the state, Georgia refers to providers as DATEPs - which is short for Drug Abuse Treatment and Education Programs. 

According to DCH’s Rules and Regulations for Drug Abuse Treatment and Education Programs:

(e) "Drug abuse treatment and education program" or "program" means any system of treatment or therapeutic advice or counsel provided for the rehabilitation of drug dependent persons and shall include programs offered in residential and/or nonresidential settings. 

So, in the state of Georgia, you’re not opening a drug rehab or an addiction treatment center, you’re technically opening a DATEP. Knowing the state’s lingo makes it easier to research the process.

You’ll Definitely Need to Get Your Addiction Treatment Center Licensed by the State of Georgia

All addiction treatment centers in the state of Georgia are required to get a license. You are subject to penalties if you attempt to operate without a license in this state.

No governing body shall operate a drug abuse treatment and education program in the state without first obtaining a license or provisional license-290-4.2.05. Completion and submission of the application form is required-290-4-2.07. 

Georgia’s Licensing Fees for Addiction Treatment Centers are Steep

With state licensing programs, of course, come fees. In the case of Georgia, the state’s fees are steeper than most. In fact, there are several fees you’ll need to cover in order to open a new treatment center in the state. 

First, you’ll need to cough up $300 for the “new application processing fee” to get Georgia to accept your licensing paperwork. 

Next, you’ll also need to pay the “initial licensing fee” which appears to vary depending undisclosed factors and appears to change periodically. Georgia does not disclose this fee on its public fee schedule. Instead, Georgia informs addiction treatment center licensing applicants that the applicable fees will be “disclosed after you submit your application.”

Finally, you’ll also need to pay an annual fee of $500!

Georgia’s Application for New Addiction Treatment Center Licensing is Pretty Straight Forward

You can download the application to apply for an addiction treatment center license in Georgia here. You’ll notice that there are several different applications in this single packet: 

• Branch Permit/ Licensure 

• Change of Ownership (CHOW)

• Initial Permit/Licensure 

• Bed Capacity Increase Permit/Licensure 

• Relocation Permit/Licensure 

Be sure to fill out the “Initial Permit/License” form if you are trying to open a completely new facility in the state. 

For the initial application, you’ll need to include: 

• A complete application form, signed and dated

• Documentation of governing board 

• Org chart 

• Affidavit of Personal Identification

• Proof of Ownership or Lease Agreement 

• Fire safety inspection report 

• Certificate of occupancy 

• Documentation of state, county and/or city zoning codes 

• Facility floor plan 

• Comprehensive Program Description

• Level(s) of care 

• Pest Control Agreement 

• Sanitation Agreement 

• Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment Certification of Waiver 

• Food permit 

• Food service plan 

Georgia’s application is unusual in that it requires every applicant to complete an affidavit swearing that you are “lawfully present in the United States.” Presumably, this is designed to keep international entrepreneurs from obtaining addiction treatment center licenses in the state.

If You’re Opening an Addiction Treatment Center in Georgia, We Can Help 

Behave Health is committed to making it easier - and more profitable - to operate evidence-based, results-focused addiction treatment centers.  

Our all-in-one app puts clinical, administration, staff, admissions, alumni, residents, treatment plans, billing, insurance authorizations and more - all at your fingertips. 

Get your organization off to a strong start from the beginning. Don’t let disorganization and chaos stifle your business’ potential.

Get your free trial started today and see why more addiction treatment centers prefer Behave Health.