How To Open A Rehab In Mississippi
A How to Guide to Opening, Licensing and Operating a drug rehab in Mississippi
There are many reasons one might want to open a drug rehab in Mississippi. Perhaps you see the need for more local in-network treatment or you want to focus on the need for adolescent treatments or care for drug addicted pregnant mothers. Whatever you’re reason may be, opening evidence based quality addiction treatment is an honorable journey.
In 2021 there were 787 overdose deaths in Mississippi in 20221. With a population of almost 3 million people, there were 28.4 overdose deaths per 100,000 people.
While many of the major cities have a few options for care, Mississippi is no stranger to treatment deserts where patients must drive for hours to receive care. Whatever the level of care, location or stage of development your addiction treatment. program may be, Orion Treatment Consulting can guide your team along the way.
How to License a Addiction Treatment Facility in Mississippi
Mississippi is one of the few states that does not require any licensure or certification process for opening and operating a drug rehab in the state of Mississippi.
Mississippi’s Department of Mental Health does have specific certification requirements for addiction treatment programs, with some exceptions. Programs that require DMH certification in Mississippi include those run and supervised by the State Board of Mental Health, Community Mental Health Centers under “regional commissions,” and agencies that receive funds through DMH grants.
Essentially, if you plan to collect Medicaid funds at your Mississippi addiction treatment center, certification is typically necessary. While certification doesn’t guarantee state funding approval, it makes your center potentially eligible for Medicaid reimbursement programs.
It’s crucial to thoroughly review Mississippi’s operational standards before opening your doors to patients, particularly if you’re establishing a community-based facility.
Mississippi may not provide a centralized online resource hub for potential addiction treatment center operators, but they do offer a comprehensive document titled “Operational Standards for Mental Health, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Community Service Providers.”
While primarily aimed at community-based facilities seeking certification, this resource is valuable for addiction treatment centers considering Medicaid patients.
This document delves into the specifics of preparing your certification application, outlines applicable fees, and provides insights into what to expect during your site visit. It serves as a crucial guide for ensuring compliance with Mississippi’s certification requirements.
How Much Does it Cost to Open a Drug Rehab in Mississippi?
While the states doesn’t have many restrictions for opening a drug rehab, the do list a set of standards here. An out-patient center will set you back several hundred thousand dollars nonetheless. While the state may not be concerned with accreditation, insurance companies are more likely to reimburse care and off in-network contracts in you have gone through the steps to ensure quality health care.
Understanding the insurance billing process is essential to opening and operating a drug rehab. Under fundraising is a very common mistake we see at Orion Treatment Consulting. You will need to sign a lease, higher staff, build a curriculum and market your program for several months before you see a single dollar of reimbursement.
In October 2018, Mississippi recieved $7.6 million from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to expand treatment for substance abuse disorders. The State Opioid Response (SOR) Grant is designed to address unmet treatment needs, reduce opioid overdose deaths and increase access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in the state.
Applications for grant funding are only available to DMH certified providers. Another reason to go through the usually licensing and accreditation process for opening a drug and alcohol treatment center.
Why Hire a Drug Rehab Consultant?
Don’t let the relaxed requirements for opening drug treatment in Mississippi fool you, the process is still complicated and arduous. Organizing workflow, retaining high quality clinicians, and billing insurance are parts of the industry we’ve been able to navigate for decades. We understand the pitfalls of working in the addiction treatment industry and would be happy to help you build a successful program. Reach out to a consultant today.