Compliance, Facility Operations, How to Guides, The Treatment Community

If you're considering expanding your existing medical or mental health practice into a full-fledged addiction treatment center in Ohio, you're making a timely decision. The state is facing a significant challenge with substance abuse, particularly opioids, and there's a growing need for quality treatment options.

Recent data shows that in 2019, an estimated 4,028 people died of unintentional drug overdose in Ohio, a 7% increase from the previous year. The African American community has been particularly hard hit, with opioid-related deaths increasing by 38% between 2018 and 2019.

These sobering statistics underscore the urgent need for more addiction treatment services in Ohio. If you're ready to take your practice to the next level and help address this crisis, here's what you need to know about transitioning to an addiction treatment center in the Buckeye State.

Understanding Ohio's Licensing Requirements for Addiction Treatment Providers

As of 2019, Ohio state code 5119.35 requires most addiction treatment providers to obtain state licensure. This includes entities providing residential, outpatient, or withdrawal management services.

If you're currently operating as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or group practice, you may be exempt from this requirement. However, as you transition into a full treatment center, you'll likely need to obtain certification from the state.

Navigating the Certification Process

In Ohio, addiction treatment providers seeking certification are referred to as "Community Behavioral Health Agencies." This terminology is used by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, which oversees the certification process.

To begin the certification process, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the Licensure and Certification Tracking System (LACTS). This online portal is where you'll submit your application and track its progress.

Steps to Transition Your Practice into a Treatment Center

1. Assess Your Current Practice: Evaluate your existing services, staff, and facilities to determine what changes are needed to meet the requirements of a full treatment center.

2. Develop a Transition Plan: Create a detailed plan outlining the steps needed to expand your services, hire additional staff, and modify your facilities if necessary.

3. Create an OH|ID Account: To access LACTS, you'll need to create an OH|ID account. This can be done with or without an Ohio State Driver's License.

4. Register Your Organization: Once you have an OH|ID account, sign into the OhioMHAS Portal to register your organization and begin the application process.

5. Request Access to LACTS: After registering your organization, you'll need to request access to LACTS. This can be done through the iPortal Dashboard by selecting the LACTS (Organization Administrator) icon under "My Applications."

6. Complete the Application: Work through the LACTS application, providing all required information about your expanded services, staff qualifications, and facilities.

7. Prepare for Inspection: Once your application is submitted, prepare for a potential on-site inspection to verify compliance with state regulations.

For more detailed guidance on using LACTS, refer to the LACTS Organization Admin User Guide.

Considerations for Expanding Your Practice

As you transition your practice into a treatment center, keep these factors in mind:

• Staffing: You may need to hire additional staff with specialized addiction treatment expertise.

• Facilities: Assess whether your current facilities can accommodate group therapy sessions and other treatment modalities.

• Services: Determine what level of care you'll provide (outpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, residential) and ensure you meet all requirements for each.

• Policies and Procedures: Develop comprehensive policies and procedures that align with state regulations for addiction treatment centers.

• Billing and Insurance: Familiarize yourself with billing procedures for addiction treatment services and consider expanding your accepted insurance plans.

We're Here to Help with Your Transition

Transitioning from a practice to a full addiction treatment center can be complex, but you don't have to navigate it alone. 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 expanded 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.