What we do

The Substance Abuse Licensing Section has three major functions:

1. to license and designate substance abuse treatment, casefinding, and prevention programs;
2. to act as the state level recipient rights agency for individuals that file complaints regarding violation of their rights;
3. to provide consultation to programs needing assistance in preparing for licensure or correcting any compliance issues.

The Section licenses all prevention, casefinding, and treatment programs statewide. There are currently 1300 licensed substance abuse programs in Michigan. The Section also issues Designations for Court based screening and assessment programs and to licensed programs taking referrals from Courts.

The Administrative Rules for Substance Abuse Programs provide that all programs be licensed. New programs may receive an on-site inspection within 90 days of filing their application. Existing program licenses are currently non-expiring contingent upon continued compliance with licensing rules.

The Section may issue a temporary permit, provisional or standard license.

The Substance Abuse Licensing staff:

• provide oversight to recipient rights investigation procedures for complaints filed by program clients
• conduct site visits and desk audits for purpose of licensing
• provide consultation for initial programs and upon request from existing programs
• review policy and procedure materials developed by substance abuse programs
• suggest and assist in the development of policies that best provide services
• provide information regarding various treatment modalities
• suggest form revisions to assist in providing clarity in client files
• provide consultation and information regarding state policies and treatment direction
• assist agencies with establishing linkages with both public and private agencies that provide services that can enhance the care provided
• review client files to assure compliance with the administrative rules and provide consultation to ensure quality care
• identify redundant information and provide consultation on a more efficient manner of collecting data
• conduct entrance and exit interviews to inform programs of expectations and findings
• interview clients on the phone and in person regarding service delivery at the agency providing services
• work jointly with the FDA, MSA, DEA and Attorney General's office in conducting investigations
• refer agency for license approval or corrective plan of action
• refer programs that are out of compliance for administrative hearings, including preparing necessary evidence of non-compliance issues for the Attorney General's office
• when possible, assist clients in identifying programs that can provide substance abuse treatment

DESIGNATIONS

The Michigan Vehicle Code (Act 309, PA of 1982, as amended) at Sec 257.625(8) provides that before sentencing for code violations:

"....the court shall order the person to undergo screening and assessment by a person or agency designated by the office of substance abuse services, to determine whether the person is likely to benefit from rehabilitative services, including alcohol or drug education and alcohol or drug treatment programs. As part of the sentence, the court may order the person to participate in and successfully complete 1 or more appropriate rehabilitative programs. The person shall pay for the costs of the screening, assessment, and rehabilitative services."

Designation under Act 309 is also required for licensed programs in order to receive Court referrals.

 TEMPORARY PERMIT

A temporary permit may be issued to an applicant program, at the sole discretion of the Section, when more time is needed to complete the licensing inspection. A temporary permit expires in 90 days and is not renewable. The decision to issue a temporary permit is final and not subject to administrative appeal.

PROVISIONAL LICENSE

A provisional license may be issued by the Section instead of denying an application for compliance issues. A provisional license expires on the date noted on the license or the first anniversary of its issuance. The holder of a provisional license will be reinspected for rule compliance not less than 30 days before the expiration date. A provisional license may be renewed once. The decision of the Section to issue a provisional license instead of a standard license is final and not subject to administrative appeal.

STANDARD LICENSE

A standard license is issued to programs in substantial compliance with the Administrative Rules for Substance Abuse Programs. These licenses are currently non-expiring.