Rises in overdose deaths in West Virginia and other states in the US can be directly attributed to the surge in fentanyl throughout the country. In fact, in the last year West Virginia had the highest opioid overdose death rate of all states in the nation. There are a high number of addiction treatment patients in West Virginia and many of them seek resource-intensive residential care. Non-eldery Medicaid recipients over the age of 18, especially, are frequently approved for inpatient substance use disorder treatment. A whopping 57% of those Medicaid patients in West Virginia receive inpatient treatment which is well above the national average. These statistics indicate that addiction treatment centers in West Virginia may do well to offer inpatient care that is Medicaid-friendly. 

What Governing Body Issues Licenses to Addiction Treatment Centers in West Virginia?

West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification, under the direction of the Office of West Virginia’s Inspector General, issues licenses for addiction treatment centers in West Virginia.  

What is the Official Term for Addiction Treatment Centers or Drug Rehabs in West Virginia?

Every state has its own way of classifying what is commonly known as an “addiction treatment center” or a “drug rehab” facility. Addiction treatment centers and programs in West Virginia are referred to as “Behavioral Health Centers” under the law and are licensed as such. It can be helpful to know the official term for the entity you are attempting to open because it aids in keyword research about government regulations and licensure requirements that may apply to your situation.

When Do Addiction Treatment Centers Need to be Licensed by the State in West Virginia? 

All “behavioral health centers” must seek licensure with the state according to state law. Some facilities, however, are exempt. They include: 

• “Programs not providing behavioral health services”

• Self-directed, community based services funded through a Medicaid waiver 

• Outpatient services at federally designated locations 

• Hospitals 

• Individual providers (psychologists, counselors, etc) working within the boundaries of their own professional licenses 

• Services in specialized family settings which have received a special waiver, such as those designed for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. 

What is the Process for Opening a Licensed Addiction Treatment Center in West Virginia? 

OHFLC’s website actually answers this question pretty well for a government page. Their “Process to Open a Center - Behavioral Health Center” page provides a bulleted step-by-step account of the process. 

West Virginia is a CON State for Addiction Treatment Centers 

CON states are states that require all would-be addiction treatment center operators to apply for a Certificate of Need (CON) with the state before they are allowed to begin the process of opening a facility. The West Virginia Care Authority oversees the CON application and granting process. 

You’ll Need to Complete an Initial Application for License with West Virginia Before Opening Your Addiction Treatment Center 

You can find the full 4-page application packet online here.  

How Much Does Licensure Cost in West Virginia for Inpatient and Outpatient Drug Rehabs?

While many states base their licensing fees on the number of beds or the type of treatment being offered, West Virginia has a flat fee: $100 per facility. This is very inexpensive compared to other states, such as California, where the fees are closer to $3000 per facility! 

What Does the Licensing Application for Addiction Treatment Centers Entail in West Virginia? 

• Identifying Information 

• Management and Personnel of Center

• Information regarding the “owned, leased or operated” building or service

• Names of stockholders or others with a financial interest in the center 

• Governing body information (Board of Directors, etc)

• Information about the intended population your center will serve

• Information about the types of services and level of care available at your center

Don’t Forget to Get Your West Virginia Addiction Treatment Center License Application Notarized

Most states don’t require this extra step, but West Virginia does. You’ll need to locate a Notary Public and sign the completed application in front of them, usually for a separate fee. You can find notaries online for virtual notary services. You can also usually find notary services at your local bank. 

West Virginia Needs Your Addiction Treatment Center. Are You Ready to Make it Happen? 

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 free trial started today and see why more addiction treatment centers prefer Behave Health.

Need help with certification? Behave Health can also help direct you to the right resources for help with Licensing or Accreditation by either The Joint Commission or CARF. Mention to your product specialist that you’re interested in this service after you start your free trial!