See Initial Licensure Application for Establishing a Mental Health Licensed Facility.
G.S. 122C FACILITIES AND LICENSURE FEES
Licensure Fee: The Department shall charge facilities licensed under this Chapter that have licensed beds a nonrefundable annual base license fee plus a non-fundable annual per-bed fee as follows:
| Type of Facility | Number of Beds | Base Fee | Per-Bed Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facilities (non-ICF/MR): | 6 or fewer beds | $250.00 | $0 |
| More than 6 beds | $350.00 | $12.50 | |
| ICF/MR Only: | 6 or fewer beds | $650.00 | $0 |
| More than 6 beds | $650.00 | $12.50 | |
| Non Residential : | 0 | $175.00 | $0 |
These fees are pro-rated based on the month the application is mailed and postmarked during the year. In order to determine the amount of the license fee that must accompany the application the following formula is used:
Multiply the annual license fee amount by the factor below, which corresponds to the month the application will be mailed and postmarked:
| Month | Factor |
|---|---|
| January | 1.0 |
| February | 0.92 |
| March | 0.83 |
| April | 0.75 |
| May | 0.67 |
| June | 0.58 |
| July | 0.5 |
| August | 0.42 |
| September | 0.33 |
For example, if the annual license fee for the facility is $250 and the application will be postmarked on August 21st, a check for $105.00 must accompany the license application {$250 x 0.42 (factor for August) = $105}. Round to nearest dollar amount.
The Department of Health and Human Services shall Charge a fee for the review of each health care facility construction project to ensure that project plans and construction are in compliance with State Law.
| ICF/MR Group Homes | $137.00 flat fee |
| Group Homes: 1-3 Beds | $100.00 flat fee |
| Group Homes: 4-6 beds | $175.00 flat fee |
| Group Homes 7-9 beds | $225.00 flat fee |
| Other Residental 10-or more | $225.00+ .075 sq ft |
Below are a number of questions routinely asked regarding licensure and the provision of mental health services.
1. Where and how do I get clients?
Clients are usually referred to a provider from the Local Management Entity (LME). LMEs serve people residing in their geographic area and are required to contract with licensed mental health providers to provide services for client's needing mental health care.
2. Do I have to have a Qualified Professional or "Q"?
Twenty four-hour, day treatment, and outpatient treatment facilities are required
to have a Qualified Professional assist in the development of client treatment/habilitation
plans to ensure treatment outcomes. The type of service you are licensed to
provide and the type of clients you serve will dictate the type of Qualified
Professional you must have. 10A
NCAC 27G Section .0103 and .0104 include definitions, education and experience
requirements of qualified professionals.
3. Do I have to pay the Qualified Professional or "Q"?
There is no licensure rule requiring a mental health provider to pay for the services of a Qualified Professional, however "Q"s are professionals who generally charge a fee for their services. Payment for the services of a Qualified Professional is governed by a variety of factors including hours worked, the specific services provided, and years of experience.
4. Do I have to be licensed before I can serve clients?
YES. Serving most clients without first obtaining a license is a violation of the law. Specifically, North Carolina General
Statute 122C-28 states: "Operating a licensable facility without a license is a Class 3 misdemeanor and is punishable only by a fine not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00), for the first offense and a fine, not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00), for each subsequent offense. Each day's operation of a licensable facility without a license is a separate offense."
5. Do all staff need training to work in the facility or to provide services?
YES. All staff must be trained and competent to provide services to mental health clients. Failing to have trained and competent staff may result in poor care for clients, may place clients' health and safety at risk, may place the health and safety of the staff at risk, and may increase provider liability.
6. How do I get people trained? Where can I send them?
Staff training should be provided by a person who is competent in the area in which staff need training. Training in medication administration, for example, must be conducted by a licensed registered nurse, pharmacist, or other legally qualified person as per 10A
NCAC 27G .0209(c)(3). Training in client rights, including restrictive interventions must be conducted by a person trained in these areas and is qualified to train others. Training resource information is available on the Division of MH/DD/SAS web site.
We also recommend your Qualified Professional as a resource for assisting, developing or performing some of the required training. Your LME may also be a resource for training resources.
7. Do I need my staff in place for the initial licensure survey?
YES. DHSR will not issue a license to a provider who does not have staff in place.
8. How much money will I get for keeping clients?
Reimbursement of mental health services varies according to the population served (i.e. adults, minors, etc.), the disability for which services are provided (i.e. mental illness, developmental disabilities or substance abuse problems), and the funding source used for reimbursement (i.e. Medicaid, Special Assistance, etc.). DHSR does not handle billing, funding, or client placement. Reimbursement information can be found on the Division
of MH/DD/SAS web site.
9. Do you know of any consultants who can write policies?
DHSR does not maintain information on consultants who write policies and procedures
for mental health providers. To recommend consultants would be a conflict of
interest for DHSR as a regulatory agency.
10. What are the fee's charged to open a facility?
Please see the fee portion of the application packet for this information..
11. Can facilities be licensed in mobile/manufactured home?
YES, but there are restrictions. These restrictions include: (1) .5600 and .5100 are the only two licensure categories that allow mobile/manufactured homes, and (2) the maximum number of clients is three. In addition, a waiver is required for this setting (contact Construction Section).
12. How do I clarify to the local authorities the type of facility I am proposing
to operate?
Take the completed Service Categories section in the Licensure Application to your Zoning, Building and/or Fire officials. Providers of Day, Outpatient and Residential need zoning approval.
24 hour residential services must present completed application to their LME (Local Management Entity/Local Area Mental Health Agency) to request a letter of support.
13. Do I have to upgrade the facility to meet handicap accessibility?
If you provide residential services for handicapped clients, you need to provide proper accommodations. Contact your local building official for information.
14. Can someone from Construction come to look at a facility prior to my
renting or leasing it?
NO. You need to review the Physical Plant requirements in 10A
NCAC 27G--Section .0300 to verify the facility meets the construction, space and other physical
plant requirements for the clients to be served. You may, however, contact the
DHSR Construction Section for specific questions.
15. Can we use a rope ladder for a second escape?
NO. A facility required to provide a second remote exit from any story must be a door with stairs meeting the North Carolina State Building Code.
16. What are the requirements for a Day Facility?
Physical Plant requirements are on page 3 of the application packet. No fees are required at this time.
17. How do I get a Letter of Support?
24 hour residential services must present completed application to their LME (Local Management Entity/Local Area Mental Health Agency) to request a letter of support.
18. When do I need to renew my license?
All licenses expire at the end of the calendar year. A renewal application will be sent in October to be returned before the end of that year with the annual fee and appropriate inspections.