HARRISBURG – The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has announced that it has streamlined its licensing procedures for drug and alcohol treatment programs. The new procedures ensure increased drug and alcohol services for individuals in need of treatment throughout the Commonwealth.
“There is a critical need for drug and alcohol treatment services in Pennsylvania,” said DDAP Secretary Gary Tennis. “Prior to streamlining this process, it would have taken 6 months or longer to process a license, which resulted in unnecessary costs to our programs and longer wait lists to get treatment. Our streamlined processing, on the other hand, enables facilities to quickly begin serving those suffering with addiction.”
In 2015, the new procedures yielded the following results:
- Seventeen new drug and alcohol facilities received a new license to operate, which took an average of 15 business days to complete.
- Nine drug and alcohol treatment networks added a new site which took an average of 17 business days to complete.
- Six facilities added new levels of treatment, which took an average of 6 business days to process.
- Eighteen facilities were approved to “flex” beds between detox and residential treatment, depending on need; this took an average of three business days to process. Additionally, since May, 2015, the average time for flex bed processing is down to one business day.
By streamlining the licensure process, more treatment providers will be able to offer more diverse levels of treatment, reduce waitlists, and better meet the needs of the community in real time.
“These efficiencies also help open doors to more Pennsylvanians in need of treatment services, so that they can start down the path to recovery,” said Tennis. “It’s critical we take all steps necessary to increase access to treatment.”
The DDAP Division of Licensure is responsible for processing drug and alcohol treatment licensing applications, compliant investigations, modification requests, conducting mandatory annual inspections, and provides ongoing technical support to ensure Individuals within the commonwealth receives quality D&A treatment services within a safe environment.
For more information about licensing or to find a licensing report, visitwww.ddap.pa.gov.