Verified October 10, 2026 against the statutes, regulations and sources cited below. The state decides every application. All states
What operators miss in South Carolina
- The Code still names the Department of Health and Environmental Control as the licensing department; confirm which successor agency takes applications.
- The Code Commissioner notes that 2025 Act No. 3 restructured DAODAS and the Department of Mental Health into the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.
Does South Carolina license behavioral health and addiction treatment programs?
A facility for chemically dependent or addicted persons, outpatient or residential, may not operate without a state license when it serves two or more unrelated people. Licenses expire one year after issuance and cover only the named premises and persons.
- License for a facility for chemically dependent or addicted persons
- Substance use programs: State health facility licensing agency (named in the Code as the Department of Health and Environmental Control)
Citation: S.C. Code 44-7-130(11), 44-7-260(A)(7), 44-7-280
How does South Carolina license each level of care?
- Outpatient: Covered by the same license class as residential services (S.C. Code 44-7-130(11)).
- Residential: Covered by the same license class as outpatient services (S.C. Code 44-7-130(11)).
Citation: S.C. Code 44-7-130(11)
How often does a South Carolina license renew?
- Renews every year
What does South Carolina require for owners, sales and moves?
- Ownership change or relocation: Notify the department within 30 days of a change in ownership or controlling interest; licenses are not transferable or assignable.
Citation: S.C. Code 44-7-280, 44-7-285
What does an opioid treatment program need in South Carolina?
Since 2023, South Carolina's certificate of need requirement covers nursing homes, and new hospitals or hospital beds until January 1, 2027. It no longer reaches narcotic treatment programs or SUD facilities.
- State opioid treatment authority: DAODAS (SAMHSA entry; state law has since restructured DAODAS into the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities)
- 29 opioid treatment programs in 2024 (N-SUMHSS)
Citation: S.C. Code 44-7-160
How does South Carolina treat recovery residences?
- NARR affiliate: South Carolina Alliance for Recovery Residences
Opening or expanding a program in South Carolina?
We confirm what South Carolina 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.