Verified October 10, 2026 against the statutes, regulations and sources cited below. The state decides every application. All states
What operators miss in Massachusetts
- Licensing standards must require serving residents with public health insurance on a nondiscriminatory basis and quarterly payer mix reports to DPH.
- DPH can issue corrective action orders giving up to 60 days to fix each cited deficiency.
Does Massachusetts license behavioral health and addiction treatment programs?
DPH licenses substance use disorder treatment facilities for two-year renewable terms and may issue a provisional license to a facility that has not operated before. An original license must also meet DPH need criteria.
- Substance use disorder treatment program license (105 CMR 164)
- Substance use programs: Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS)
Citation: M.G.L. c. 111E, 7; 105 CMR 164.000
How often does a Massachusetts license renew?
- Renews every two years
What does an opioid treatment program need in Massachusetts?
DPH may refuse an original license that fails its need criteria, which are limited to the health needs of people with substance use disorders (including underserved populations) and the applicant's ability and history in meeting them.
- State opioid treatment authority: MA Dept. of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Addiction Services
- State need review
- 92 opioid treatment programs in 2024 (N-SUMHSS)
Citation: M.G.L. c. 111E, 7
How does Massachusetts treat recovery residences?
BSAS runs a voluntary training and certification program for sober homes. State agencies and statewide-contract vendors may refer people only to certified alcohol and drug free housing.
- Voluntary certification
- NARR affiliate: Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing
Citation: M.G.L. c. 17, 18A
Opening or expanding a program in Massachusetts?
We confirm what Massachusetts requires for your services and levels of care, prepare the application and every attachment for your owner or officer to sign, and track it to a decision. An outpatient program license is $1,995 per site. Every fee is flat and never depends on admissions or census.