Service Provisions
Entities and organizations must demonstrate a thorough understanding of Massachusetts substance use disorder treatment programs and the service provisions as outlined in 105 CMR 164.000 Licensure for Substance Use Treatment Programs 105 CMR 164.00: Licensure of substance use disorder treatment programs | Mass.gov) in order to be to be considered suitable for licensure.
24-Hour Diversionary Services (164.100)
24-Hour Diversionary Services medically manage withdrawal symptoms of patients on a 24-hour diversionary service basis and include 24-hour diversionary service forms of Acute Treatment Services (ATS) and Clinical Stabilization Services (CSS).
Outpatient Services (164.200)
Outpatient Services encompass the provision of services to patients who can participate in organized ambulatory services including withdrawal symptom management, intensive day treatment services, counseling, educational services for driving under the influence first offenders, and office-based opioid treatment. Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are not types of services Licensed or Approved by BSAS, for more information please see 105 CMR 164- Clarification of Terminology, Day Treatment Guidance (PDF) l (DOCX)
Opioid Treatment Programs (164.300)
Opioid treatment programs are SAMHSA-certified organized addiction treatment for opioid addicted persons, providing FDA-approved medications and counseling and other services needed to assist the patient in achieving stability. Opioid treatment includes interim maintenance, maintenance, and medically supervised withdrawal.
Residential Rehabilitation (164.400)
Residential rehabilitation services are organized substance use disorder treatment and education services featuring a planned program of care in a 24-hour residential setting.
Suitability and Initial Licensure Process
- Providers must review 105 CMR 164.000 Licensure for Substance Addiction Treatment Services
- Providers must submit a completed Notice of Intent to Apply for a SUD Program License (NOI), including all required documentation, to the identified BSAS staff member on the NOI
- BSAS evaluates the NOI to determine the suitability of the provider. NOI Applications are reviewed in the order that they are received. Depending on the information that is submitted, timelines may vary.
- If the entity or organization is deemed suitable to provide SUD services pursuant to 105 CMR 164.009 the provider will receive a notice of approval and instructions on getting set up on the virtual gateway to access the BSAS eLicensing SUD Program Application.
- Once the provider starts the SUD Program application, they will be assigned a Licensing Inspector who will be their point of contact throughout the licensing process. This includes the submission of the SUD treatment program application through BSAS eLicensing, on-site facility inspection, and subsequent renewal applications.
Suitability
Suitability is the process in which the Department of Public Health evaluates proposed entities or organizations seeking a license to provide substance use disorder treatment services in Massachusetts as required by 105 CMR 164.000 Licensure for Substance Use Treatment Programs 105 CMR 164.00: Licensure of substance use disorder treatment programs | Mass.gov). The mechanism through which suitability is conducted is known as the Notice of Intent (NOI).
Notice of Intent Forms
The General Suitability Notice of Intent form below is for entities or organizations without licensure or approval with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
General Suitability Notice of Intent (PDF l DOCX)
For all owners and executive board members, a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Acknowledgement Form (PDF) l (DOC) needs to be submitted.
For entities or organizations that hold a license from the Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality (BHCSQ), please submit the BHCSQ Suitability Notice of Intent form below and include a copy of the license or approval upon submission. Please note that a CORI form does not need to be submitted for organizations that hold a license with BHCSQ.