Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 18, September 16, 2024
(a) The applicant or DCN&L may
request a preliminary review meeting to discuss the applicant's proposed program. Such a functional
preapplication review shall provide the applicant with an opportunity for technical assistance regarding the
necessity, feasibility, requirements, costs, and benefits of applying for a license.
(b) Following receipt of an application, DCN&L shall review it for
completeness, and relevant fees at N.J.A.C. 10:161B-2.1. If DCN&L deems that the application is
incomplete, DCN&L shall notify the applicant, in writing, of any missing information. Such written
notification from DCN&L shall occur within 15 working days upon receipt of said application.
1. The applicant shall be permitted to supply any missing information in
the application to DCN&L within 30 working days. If the application is not deemed complete by DCN&L,
in writing, to the applicant within six months, it shall be denied as incomplete and the applicant may
reapply after 30 days. DCN&L shall not consider any application until it is deemed complete.
(c) Once the application is deemed complete, DCN&L shall
review it to determine whether the applicant meets the licensing criteria to operate a program, and whether
the facility is safe as demonstrated by the information contained in the application. DCN&L may also, at
its discretion, consider information obtained from other State agencies and/or agencies in other states, in
determining whether to license the program.
1. DCN&L shall schedule a
meeting to conduct a functional review, pursuant to (a) above, with the applicant to explore and define the
program concept, including feasibility and need for proposed services, within 30 days of application receipt
by DCN&L.
2. If DCN&L does not schedule a functional
review meeting within the 30 day timeline, the applicant can request one in writing.
3. Within 30 working days after receiving notification from the applicant
that the building is ready for occupancy, DCN&L shall schedule a survey of the proposed program to
determine if the program complies with this chapter.
i. Within 45 days
after completion of this survey, DCN&L shall notify the applicant, in writing, of the findings of the
survey, including any deficiencies.
ii. If DCN&L documents
deficiencies, DCN&L shall schedule additional surveys of the outpatient substance use disorder treatment
program upon notification from the applicant that the documented deficiencies have been corrected. Additional
surveys shall be scheduled by DCN&L within 15 working days after receipt of the applicant's notification
that the documented deficiencies have been corrected.
(d) DCN&L shall approve a complete application for licensure if:
1. DCN&L is satisfied that the applicant and its description of the
physical plant, finances, hiring practices, management, ownership, operational and treatment procedures, and
history of prior operations, if any, are in substantial compliance with this chapter and will adequately
provide for the life, safety, health, or welfare of the clients, and/or their families;
i. Where applicable, the new or otherwise innovative program from
10:161B-2.3(f)
does not present significant risk of harm to the life, safety, health or
well-being of the clients, and the applicant demonstrates that the program is reasonably within the bounds of
accepted practice;
2. Surveys of the facility document
no deficiencies, or document adequate correction of all previously noted deficiencies;
3. The applicant has provided DCN&L with written approvals for the
facility from the local zoning, fire, health, and building authorities. When seeking local approvals, any
outpatient substance use disorder treatment programs providing opioid treatment and opioid detoxification or
other detoxification where prescription drugs will be dispensed, shall specifically notify the municipality
in which the program is to be located of the full scope of services to be provided. Notification of the
municipality shall include notification to appropriate and relevant local authorities and/or officials;
and
4. The applicant has provided DCN&L with written
approvals for the facility from the local authorities or local official for any water supply and sewage
disposal systems not connected to an approved municipal system.
(e) In no instance shall any applicant admit clients to the program until
DCN&L issues a license to the applicant for the program. Any client admissions to the applicant's
outpatient treatment program prior to the issuance of a DCN&L license shall be considered unlicensed
admissions and DCN&L shall take all appropriate enforcement action.
