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Nevada

Navigating Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder Facility Licensing in Nevada: A Step-by-Step Guide

 

You can’t start a compliant and successful mental health or substance use treatment program without first ensuring you are adhering to the state’s licensing requirements. Whether you’re seeking to open an outpatient facility (providing outpatient, intensive outpatient/ IOP, or partial hospitalization/ PHP) or a residential facility (detox/ withdrawal management, high intensity or low intensity residential) navigating Nevada’s regulatory landscape can be complex and time-consuming.

At Arrow Consulting, we specialize in guiding providers through every stage of the licensing process – ensuring your facility meets all regulatory standards and is fully prepared to deliver high-quality, legally compliant care.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Licensed in Nevada

  1. Decide what service you want to provide and which license you’ll need
    Decide whether your facility will provide mental health services or substance use disorder services. This decision determines the regulations you must follow and guides your application process.
  2. Review the regulations for the service you’ll provide
    Consult the appropriate Nevada licensing agency’s website to understand the current regulations and requirements for your specific facility type (see below for guidance on which agency oversees your program). It’s also important to check for any potential barriers to licensure — such as local zoning restrictions, fire and health inspections, or other municipal approvals. While Nevada does not require a Certificate of Need (CON) for behavioral health facilities, you should still confirm any updates with the Nevada Health Authority (NVHA), Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance (HCQC) or local authorities.
  3. Get your documents and processes in order
    Compile the documents required for your Nevada application. You’ll definitely need:
  • Organizational formation documents
  • Staffing plans
  • Facility floor plans/ building documents (in some cases, Nevada requires your inspection is completed by a licensed architect)
  • Fire and Health inspection approvals
  • Local Jurisdiction Approvals and Permits
  • Program description and treatment modalities
  • Relevant policies and procedures
  1. Once you finalize your application, submit it to the state
  • Mental Health Facilities (PRTF): Submit to NVHA, HCQC
  • Substance Use Disorder Facilities (Detox, Residential, PHP, IOP): Medical Detoxification Facilities (MDX) and Alcohol/Drug Abuse Treatment Facilities (ADA) will submit to NVHA HCQC and submit to DPBH, Substance Use Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Services (The Division, formerly known as SAPTA). PHP/IOP only requires submission to The Division.
  • See below for more information on these agencies
  1. Prepare for Inspection
    After you apply, HCQC and The Division will schedule individual inspections of your facility to ensure it meets all applicable state standards for safety, staffing, documentation, and patient care. Be ready with complete policies, staff credentials, and a fully operational space.
  2. Make any corrections and start providing services
    You may need to make some revisions to policies or other items as discussed with the state. Once you have completed your plan of correction, you will be issued your license and may commence providing services to your community.

 

Understanding Behavioral Health Facility Licensing Requirements in Nevada

 

Licensing for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Facilities

Substance use disorder treatment facilities in Nevada are licensed by NVHA HCQC and certified by The Division.

PHP and IOP for SUD:
PHP and IOP programs for substance use disorder treatment must provide structured, intensive services and comply with Nevada requirements for:

  • Qualified staffing
  • Therapeutic programming
  • Patient care standards
  • Emergency preparedness

Detox and Residential Treatment:
Detox and residential treatment programs in Nevada must be licensed by the NVHA HCQC, and meet specific standards related to clinical care and facility operations. Detox and residential programs are typically overseen in partnership with The Division, a division of DPBH.

  • Medically supervised withdrawal management
  • On-site licensed professionals (e.g., physicians and nurses)
  • Patient safety and clinical oversight
  • Staffing qualifications
  • Facility operations and compliance with NAC and NRS

 

Licensing for Mental Health Facilities

Mental health facilities in Nevada must also be licensed by the NVHA, Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance (HCQC).

PHP and IOP for Mental Health:
Mental health PHP and IOP programs must meet state standards for:

  • Therapeutic services
  • Staffing qualifications
  • Patient safety
  • Quality care
  • Compliance with Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) and Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS), Chapters 449 and 458.

Residential Treatment Facilities in Mental Health:

Facilities providing residential mental health services must be licensed by the NVHA, Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance (HCQC).

24/7 care in a structured environment

  • Therapeutic services
  • Staffing qualifications
  • Patient safety
  • Quality care
  • Compliance with the Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) and Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS), Chapters 449 and 458




Let Arrow Consulting handle the entire process for you – ensuring a smooth, compliant, and efficient licensing experience.