Opioid Treatment Program Licensing and Certification

The licensing and certification process is directed by RCW 71.24.590 and WAC 246-341-0300. The licensing steps include:

• Submitting a completed behavioral health agency licensing application, a community relations plan, and fee.
• Submitting policies and procedures demonstrating compliance with chapter 246-341 WAC for review and approval.
• Obtaining drug other controlled substance registration (PDF) from the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission.
• Obtaining accreditation from a federally recognized accrediting organization.
• Obtaining approval from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

The department will provide public notice to all appropriate media outlets in the community in which the facility is proposed to be located that states the applicant is proposing a facility in that community. The notice will also be posted to the Proposed OTP webpage along with a copy of the OTP’s Community Relations Plan.

OTP Fixed-Site and Medication Units

OTP Mobil Units

Questions about OTP licensing or certification requirements in chapter 246-341 WAC:

Michelle Weatherly
Facilities program manager
Email Michelle.weatherly@doh.wa.gov 
Phone: 360-236-2992

State Opioid Treatment Authority (SOTA):

Jessica Blose
Washington State Health Care Authority
Email Jessica.blose@hca.wa.gov 
Phone: 360-643-7850

Questions about the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission Drug Other Controlled Substance registration, email WSPQAC@doh.wa.gov (WSPQAC@doh.wa.gov) 

Questions about a OTP application status, email HSQAFC@doh.wa.gov (HSQAFC@doh.wa.gov) 

Questions about the DEA approval process, email Seattle.diversion@dea.gov (seattle.diversion@dea.gov) 

Washington state regulations

• Chapter 246-341 WAC – Behavioral Health Agency Licensing and Certification Requirements.
• WAC 246-341-0300 – Agency Licensure and Certification
• WAC 246-341-1000 – OTP - Certification Standards

Washington state laws

• RCW 71.24.560 – Opioid Treatment Programs – Pregnant Individuals – Information and education.
• RCW 71.24.585 – Opioid and substance use disorder treatment – State response.
• RCW 71.24.587 – Opioid use disorder treatment – Possession or use of lawfully prescribed medication – Declaration by state.
• RCW 71.24.589 – Substance use disorders – Law enforcement assisted diversion – Pilot project.
• RCW 71.24.590 – Opioid treatment – Program licensing or certification by department, department duties – Use of medications by program – Definition.
• RCW 71.24.593 – Opioid use disorder treatment – Care of individuals and their newborns – Authority recommendations required.
• RCW 71.24.594 – Opioid overdose reversal medications – Education – Distribution – Labeling – Liability (Effective January 1, 2022).
• RCW 71.24.595 – Statewide treatment and operating standards for opioid treatment programs – Evaluation and report.
• RCW 71.24.597 – Opioid overdose reversal medication – Coordinated purchasing and distribution.

Federal regulations and guidance

• 42 CFR Part 8 – Medication for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorders
• 21 CFR – Food and Drugs - Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
• Federal Guidelines for Opioid Treatment Programs (2024) – SAMHSA
• SAMHSA OTP Guidance Documents
• Federal DEA Guide to Narcotic Treatment Program Regulations (PDF)