Do drug rehab programs in Florida have to be licensed?

There are over 500 drug rehab programs in Florida. There are addictions receiving facilities, detoxification, intensive inpatient treatment, residential treatment, day or night treatment with host homes, day or night treatment with community housing, day or night treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, continuing care, intervention, prevention, and medication-assisted treatment for opiate addiction. All of these program components of a drug rehab program in Florida have to be properly licensed before they can start treating patients.

The Substance Abuse Program Office is responsible for licensing drug rehab programs in Florida and making sure that no facility operates without a license. Specific criteria need to be met by drug rehab programs in Florida before they can be licensed by the state. Different types of drug rehab programs (like inpatient or detox) in Florida have different requirements, but there are certain standards that have to be met by all drug rehab programs. Chapter 65D-30 of the Florida Administrative Code outlines the difference between each type of drug rehab program in Florida, the common requirements of all drug rehab programs and the specific requirements for each type.

For example, all drug rehab programs in Florida must have a standard operating procedure manual, be covered by insurance, and complete a background check of all employees who interact with clients. Also, if the drug rehab program administers prescription drugs, they must be in compliance with the State of Florida Board of Pharmacy requirements for facilities. Drug rehab programs must also provide HIV and TB testing to all high risk clients.

As far as specific requirements go, they are unique to each type of drug rehab program in Florida that has to be licensed. For example, according to the Florida Administration Code, “detoxification” is a process involving sub-acute care that is provided on a residential or an outpatient basis to assist clients who meet the placement criteria for this component to withdraw from the physiological and psychological effects of substance abuse. A drug rehab program in Florida providing detoxification, among other requirements, must provide certain services. These services include stabilization, supportive counseling, and daily activities (including educational and recreational, with the client’s participation documented in his or her chart). There are also regulations on how many staff must be working per number of clients.

It is unlawful for any drug rehab programs in Florida to operate without a license unless they are exempt by law.  Facilities that may gain exempt status are drug rehab programs in Florida that are already licensed and who wish to develop innovative or cost-effective substance abuse services alternatives. Rules waivers may be granted only in instances where there is reasonable assurance that the health, safety, or welfare of individuals will not be endangered. If a drug rehab program in Florida operates without a license, they could be brought up on criminal charges.

If you or someone you know needs a drug rehab program in Florida, call us at (877) 711-HOPE (4673) or visit us online at www.palmpartners.com.