State Licensing

State licensing is required for Substance Use Disorder Programs.  For specific information about licensure requirements and service categories, see SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER LICENSE (michigan.gov)

To begin operation of a new substance use disorder (SUD) program, all of the following steps must be completed:

1.Complete state licensure application LARA-SLACR-SUD and email completed application to LARA-BCHS-NLTCSLS@michigan.gov

2.Payment:  For electronic payments, visit Initial Licensure Payment.  Paying electronically is the fastest way to have your application processed.  There is a 2% processing fee for electronic payments.  

Fees for New Licensure
Licensing Fee         $500
 
NOTE:  If a governmental entity is directly offering SUD services, a license cannot be issued in accordance with MCL 333.6233(1), 333.1106(4), and 333.1104(7).  Governmental entities include sovereign tribes, state government agencies, local city or county agencies, and other government units.

To make changes to an existing licensed facility including relocation, branch locations, mobile units, service category changes, facility and corporate name change, and change of ownership, complete the following steps below:

1.Complete the state licensure application and change request form LARA-SLACR-SUD

2.Fees/Payment:  To make your payment electronically for changes to an existing license, visit LARA Change Request Payments.  Paying electronically is the fastest way to have your application processed.  There is a 2% processing fee for credit card payments or $0.15 processing fee for electronic check payments.

 Fees for Changes to an Existing License

Substance Abuse Program Licensure

►License (facility/DBA) name change         $500

►CHOW or corporate name change           $500

►Relocation                                                        $500

►Change in Service Categories                     $500

►Mobile Unit                                                       $0

►Branch Location                                              $0

All State Licenses must be renewed annually.  Annual renewal letters and invoices are sent in June of each year. You may also sign up to receive these and all notifications/alerts at Non-Long Term Care State Licensing Alerts.  Licenses cannot be renewed prior to June 1st or prior to receiving the renewal notices.  

License renewals must be paid online no later than July 31st at eLicense (michigan.gov).    

Note: A license is required by MCL 333.6233 to establish or maintain and operate a health facility or agency. A provider’s non-renewal of a license by September 1st is not considered as a refusal to renew by the department under MCL 333.6243. All licenses must be renewed, in accordance with Administrative Rule 325.1305. All licenses non-renewed by a licensee will receive a notice on or after September 1st that the license is closed and this notice will be posted to the license on the department web page (State Licensing).

Fees for Licensure Renewal
Substance Use Disorder Licensure $500

Licensure Requirements & Service Categories

A state licensure application is required to begin operation of a new SUD program.  SUD programs must identify the type of services to be offered at the licensed site by designating a specific service level category or categories outlined below:

• PREVENTION - Prevention services reduce the risk that an individual will develop problems that might require that he or she enter the substance abuse treatment system.
• CAIT (Community Change, Alternatives, Information, Training) – Means prevention services offered by a substance use disorder services program.
• TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION SERVICES - Treatment and rehabilitation services will provide emergent, outpatient, intermediate, or inpatient service and care. The services offered might include diagnostic evaluation, medical, psychiatric, psychological, social service care, and referral services that may be extended to an individual who is or appears to be incapacitated.
  • Outpatient – Means SUD treatment services by offering scheduled, periodic care, including diagnosis and therapy, in a non-residential setting.
  • Methadone program means a program engaged in opioid treatment of an individual with an opioid agonist treatment medication registered under 21 USC 823(g)(1), methadone.
  • Residential means a residential setting that is staffed and provides substance use disorder treatment or rehabilitation services onsite. 
  • Residential withdrawal management program means a residential setting offering either clinically managed or medically monitored withdrawal management services for the purposes of detoxification. 
    • Clinically managed withdrawal management services shall offer peer and social support services only and not offer or administer schedule II-V controlled substances, as classified under 21 USC 812, for the management of withdrawal, including methadone and buprenorphine.
    • Medically monitored withdrawal management services shall offer medical and nursing care and may administer medications for the management of withdrawal.
      
       
  • Inpatient Hospitalization – Means SUD treatment services that are provided to a person within a hospital setting under medical supervision. Inpatient care may include both emergency services and non-emergency services. Inpatient care is provided in hospitals operated by or in beds licensed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Complaints

FILE A RECIPIENT RIGHTS COMPLAINT

When a person believes that it is necessary to file a formal complaint, it is important that the complainant understands whether their concerns meet the criteria for a recipient rights complaint or a non-recipient rights complaint.  Recipient Rights are detailed in the Public Health Code (PA 368 of 1978).  These rights were provided to the recipient at the time of admission by the program and the recipient is provided a copy of the “Know Your Rights” brochure.  If the allegation(s) is a violation of recipient rights, please follow the guidance below as the complaint needs to be investigated by other entities prior to filing a complaint with the Department.

1. Complainant will need to complete BCHS-SUD-200.The form should be provided directly to the SUD program rights advisor.
   • The complainant will receive a copy of the BCHS-SUD-205 detailing the findings of the investigation by the SUD program.

      

2. If the complainant is unsatisfied with the findings from the SUD program, the complainant may file an appeal to the Regional Entity by completing BCHS-SUD-210.
   • The complainant will receive a copy of the BCHS-SUD-215 detailing the finding of the investigation by the Regional Rights Consultants investigation.

      

3. If the complainant is unsatisfied with the findings from the Regional Rights Consultant, the complainant may file an appeal to the Department by completing BCHS-SUD-220.
   • The complainant will receive a copy of the BCHS-SUD-225 detailing the findings of the investigation by the Department.

      

4. If the complainant is unsatisfied with the decision from the Department, the complainant can request a hearing from the Department Director (under the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.201 to 24.328).

FILE A NON-RECIPIENT RIGHTS COMPLAINT

The complainant will need to complete the BCHS-SUD-250 for non-recipient rights concern(s). This complaint should be limited to allegations that a program did not comply with the Public Health Code, Mental Health Code, other state laws, or the substance use disorder state administrative rules. The following are examples of non-recipient rights concerns: 

• Medication errors
• Staffing concerns
• Facility physical plant concerns
• Violation of state administrative rules or other state and/or federal laws.

In accordance with R 325.1341, you must notify the department in writing at least 30 days prior to your proposed closure date.  The required closure plan must be sent to LARA-BCHS-NLTCSLS@michigan.gov and the closure plan must meet all of the requirements as provided for in R 325.1341, which the details can be found:  SUD Administrative Rules. 

SUD Administrative Rules

Public Health Code (PA 368 of 1978)

Mental Health Code (PA 258 of 1974)

Find SUD Providers

Map and Directory of SUD Providers

UPDATED: Know Your Rights Poster - April 2025

Regional Entity Contact Information

Syringe Service Program (SSP) - general information and locate programs

National Harm Reduction Coalition - Find SSPs throughout the United States and mail-based naloxone distribution services

SUD Counseling Rules FAQs – November 2023

SUD Service Rules for Counselors in Michigan Webinar – November 2023

SUD Service Rules for Counselors in Michigan Presentation – November 2023

LARA SUD Rule Changes FAQs – September 2023

Evidence Based Resources – September 2023

SUD Administrative Rules Overview Webinar – September 12, 2023

SUD Administrative Rule Overview Presentation – September 12, 2023

NEW: LARA-BCHS OUD Return to Use Guide

NEW: Michigan Overdose Data to Action Dashboard

Contact Information

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Bureau of Community & Health Systems

Non-Long Term Care State Licensing Section
Phone: 1-833-757-7308
Email: LARA-BCHS-NLTCSLS@michigan.gov