HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) announced the creation of a new licensure program to obtain a telehealth-only license that allows substance use disorder (SUD) treatment providers to obtain a telehealth-only license, expanding access to more Pennsylvanians and meeting them where they are. The program is open and accepting applications.

Prior to this program, only drug and alcohol facilities with a physical location in Pennsylvania could apply to DDAP for a license to operate. This new type of license does not require a physical location in order for a treatment provider to administer services. Licensed treatment providers that have a physical office site in Pennsylvania do not need to apply for any additional or different license to serve people who choose telehealth services.

The telehealth-only license applies to treatment providers serving individuals who are located in Pennsylvania and seeking intake, evaluation and referral or non-residential, partial hospitalization, or outpatient treatment. Specifically, existing DDAP-licensed drug and alcohol treatment programs may provide these services via telehealth-only as long as the facility complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Recently, licensed drug and alcohol facilities have reported experiencing a positive experience with the use of telehealth services, after offering telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, those who receive such services are facing less barriers to treatment, such as transportation and childcare.

Learn more about the Shapiro Administration’s efforts in combating the overdose crisis at pa.gov/opioids.