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Tags Posts tagged with "Licensing Alert"

Licensing Alert

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The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) today issued Licensing Alert 08-2024 to detail the steps for SUD treatment providers to obtain a telehealth-only license from the department.

These DDAP-licensed telehealth-only providers may provide intake, evaluation, and referral, as well as outpatient or partial hospitalization services, via telehealth only without a physical plant location in Pennsylvania to individuals who are located in the commonwealth as long as the provider complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Any DDAP-licensed provider can also provide some telehealth services as an option to in-person treatment. However, only a telehealth-only provider may provide 100 percent of its treatment services via telehealth.

DDAP will not require the provider to maintain a physical location in Pennsylvania. DDAP also will grant all telehealth-only providers an exception to § 709.11(b) regarding the requirement to conduct an onsite inspection for the renewal of a license as part of licensure.

Licensing Alert 08-2024 applies only to DDAP licensure. Providers that are considering applying for a telehealth-only license should consult their public and private insurance payers to confirm whether they will meet conditions for network enrollment and payment, as DDAP cannot guarantee a DDAP-licensed telehealth-only provider funding or a contract.

The full licensing alert provides additional information, including how to apply for the license.

Contact RCPA SUD Treatment Services Policy Director Jason Snyder with any questions.

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The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) issued Licensing Alert 07-2024 today to grant statewide exceptions to narcotic treatment programs (NTP) to expand access to medication for the treatment of opioid use disorder in alignment with the federal government’s Final Rule on 42 CFR Part 8.

The statewide exceptions to DDAP regulations that are being granted will enable:

  • People with less than one year of physical dependence on opioids to be treated at an NTP;
  • Verbal consent to treatment;
  • A wider range of dosages based on physician discretion;
  • Eight drug screens per year instead of 12;
  • An increase in take-home medication; and
  • Clinicians to determine counseling requirements unique to each person’s needs instead of mandatory minimums.

DDAP granted the statewide exceptions using 28 Pa. Code § 701.11, which gives it the authority to do so. Through Licensing Alert 07-2024, DDAP is granting these exceptions if the NTPs comply with the rules in 42 CFR Part 8. There is no need for NTPs to submit exception requests or to inform DDAP they are using these exceptions.

DDAP plans to include the changes to the federal rules when it updates its own state rules.

You can email DDAP with questions about this licensing alert.

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The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has issued Licensing Alert 06-2024 to notify licensed treatment facilities and recovery houses of the new process for submitting licensing regulations exceptions and facility requests to DDAP. This licensing alert replaces Licensing Alert 23-03 and is a result of DDAP streamlining its internal processes. The licensing alert explains how to submit exception requests and facility requests electronically.

Questions about the alert or the new process should be directed to DDAP.

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The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has issued Licensing Alert 05-2024 to provide and organize guidance on the interpretation and implementation of regulatory licensing requirements for staff education, training, and supervision, as well as client-to-staff/counselor ratios for drug and alcohol treatment providers.

DDAP has issued individual licensing alerts over time that focus on specific regulation topics. This licensing alert organizes previous relevant active licensing alerts, as well as provide additional guidance for Chapter 704 staffing regulations.

Licensing Alert 05-2024 is available online.

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With state and federal laws governing the use and disclosure of confidential substance use disorder (SUD) information having undergone significant changes, including the recently announced final rule modifying 42 CFR Part 2, the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) issued Licensing Alert 04-2024 to clarify the identification of recipients of confidential SUD information for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations for compliance with 28 Pa. Code § 709.28(c)(1).

Consent forms must now include names of recipients, with a single form applicable for future disclosures, using a generalized recipient description. Treatment providers are urged to ensure their consent forms comply with these regulations and updated policies. For additional questions treatment providers can contact the Bureau of Program Licensure.

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The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has issued Licensing Alert 03-2024, effective immediately, which introduces updated guidance on complying with Act 66 of 2023, signed into law by Governor Shapiro in December. The guidance specifically outlines all regulatory flexibilities for SUD treatment facilities enabled through the law and describes the process for project directors to notify DDAP of their intent to use any of these flexibilities. In part, Act 66 allows:

  • An increase in staff-to-client ratio for adult nonhospital residential treatment and rehabilitation programs, from 1:8 to 1:12;
  • Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners (CRNP) and Physician Assistants (PA) to serve as counselors;
  • Individuals lacking previous clinical experience to still qualify as counselors if they possess a bachelor’s or associate degree in relevant fields or hold a current Registered Nurse license; and
  • Facilities to hire up to three counselor assistants for each staff person meeting clinical supervisor or counselor qualifications.

Additionally, the alert underscores the importance of continued compliance with other regulations, such as clinical supervisor ratio requirements, counselor assistant supervision, and evaluation requirements. For additional questions, contact the Bureau of Program Licensure.

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Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has issued Licensing Alert 02-2024, effective immediately, to inform opioid treatment programs (OTP) about the recent final rule issued by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on February 2, 2024, concerning medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). RCPA issued an alert to its members on February 1 announcing the final rule.

This rule modifies and updates regulations pertaining to OTP accreditation, certification, and standards for the treatment of OUD. The most crucial aspects of SAMHSA’s final rule include the permanent adoption of COVID-19 era flexibilities, allowing patients to receive more take-home doses of methadone, which is proven to enhance treatment retention and reduce illicit opioid use. The update also permits the initiation of methadone and buprenorphine treatment via telehealth through OTPs and removes stringent admission criteria, thereby improving access to care for individuals in need.

DDAP is currently reviewing the final rule, set to take effect on April 2, 2024, with a compliance deadline of October 2, 2024, and plans to issue a follow-up Licensing Alert soon. For further information, contact the Bureau of Program Licensure.

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