Rhode Island is on the Cutting Edge of Opioid Crisis Containment 

Rhode Island is taking steps towards addressing the opioid crisis that few states are willing to consider. The state recently dedicated $2.25 million of the settlement money it received from pharmaceutical companies implicated in the proliferation of dangerous opioid drugs to “safe consumption sites” and harm reduction efforts in the state. These programs, while controversial and counter-intuitive, are proven to help reduce overdose deaths and track active users into treatment by keeping them in closer and more honest contact with medical providers. 

The State of Rhode Island Makes it Easy to Visualize Where Addiction Treatment Centers are Needed

The state of Rhode Island makes drug overdose statistics readily available online in an easy to digest geographical format, making it easy to quickly spot “hot spots” where treatment is needed. 

They also provide “heat maps” for each county which show the density of non-fatal opioid overdose-related 911 calls. This granular information is invaluable for deciding where to locate facilities in the state. These maps are updated frequently and represent some of the best data available to the public on the state of the opioid crisis on the ground in Rhode Island. 

You’ll Work with BHDDH to Get Your Addiction Treatment Center Licensed in Rhode Island 

BHDDH Quality Management - formerly known as the Office of Quality Assurance - is the home of Rhode Island’s Office of Licensure and Standards, which oversees the licensing of all behavioral healthcare programs in the state, including facilities for those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, mental illness or substance use disorder. 

You’ll Reapply for Addiction Treatment Center Licensure in Rhode Island Every Two Years 

Unlike most states, which issue one-year licenses, Rhode Island issues addiction treatment center licenses that are good for two years. 

In Rhode Island, all addiction treatment centers are considered to be part of the “behavioral healthcare organization” (BHO) umbrella, which includes “all mental health and substance use related assessment, treatment, prevention and support services.” All of these facilities receive licenses that are good for two years.  

The Application for Initial Addiction Treatment Center License for Rhode Island is Available Online 

The four-page application - formally referred to as the Application for Initial Licensure to Provide Behavioral Healthcare Services - must be printed off and mailed to the Office of Licensure and Standards. It includes six sections: applicant information, organizational structure, services information, narrative, additional required information and acknowledgements. 

When you’re ready to renew your license after two years, you’ll use the Renewal or Add Services/Site Application form. You’ll also use this form if you are adding new locations to your business or adding new licensed services to your existing organization. 

You Will Need to Complete a Lot of Extra Paperwork for Your Addiction Treatment Center Application in Rhode Island

The initial application for licensure requires that you submit the last date of a State Fire Marshal (SFM) Inspection at your organization’s facility. You can schedule your inspection by completing an inspection application online. Once you’ve scheduled and completed the inspection, you’ll need to attach a copy of the current SFM report to your addiction treatment center licensing application when you send it in the mail. 

You’ll also need to attach a notarized copy of a list of all of your owners, officers and directors, annotated with the percentages of ownership they may claim. 

Finally, you’ll need to include a lot of specific information in the narrative section of the application, including: a mission statement, a financial plan, a staffing plan, a volunteer plan (if applicable), job descriptions, staff training program plan, a daily program schedule, discharge criteria information, and follow-up plan information. If you’re offering more than one “service type” (i.e. inpatient and outpatient treatment), then you’ll need to complete two sets of the above plans - one for each program.

Need Help With Your Addiction Treatment Center in Rhode Island? We’re Here for You

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!