Substance Abuse Prevention and Control
SAPC Contracting Roadmap
Substance Abuse Prevention and Control (SAPC) is committed to creating and maintaining a strong and diverse provider network to meet the SUD treatment needs of Los Angeles County.
SAPC has developed a set of minimum programmatic and fiscal requirements that prospective applicants must meet before they will be considered for a contract.
Below is key information to keep in mind when determining if you should apply for a substance use disorder drug Medi-Cal (DMC) treatment contract with Los Angeles County.
To become a contracted provider for other programs (non-DMC), click here.
Please contact Contracts and Compliance Branch for additional guidance and information at SAPC_Compliance@ph.lacounty.gov
Below is key information to keep in mind when determining if you should apply for a substance use disorder drug Medi-Cal (DMC) treatment contract with Los Angeles County.
To become a contracted provider for other programs (non-DMC), click here.
Please contact Contracts and Compliance Branch for additional guidance and information at SAPC_Compliance@ph.lacounty.gov
Review Applications for Minimum Qualifications
SAPC Prospective Drug Medi-Cal (DMC) Contract Application
Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Initial Treatment Provider Application
Provider Application and Validation for Enrollment (PAVE) Application for DMC Certification
Know the Certification and Contract Standards
SAPC Provider Manual
Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Certification Standards
California Code of Regulations (Title 9) for Substance Abuse Treatment
Determine your Fiscal Viability
See SAPC Rates and Standards MatrixDownload:
- FY 24/25 Projecting Revenue and Staff Capacity Worksheet for Outpatient Services
- FY 24/25 Projecting Revenue and Staff Capacity Worksheet for Residential Services
Register as a LA County Vendor *
2.1 Register on webVEN to:
- Access County Open Bids
- Appear on Bid Lists generated online by ALL County Departments looking for prospective vendors
- Get email notifications on County Bids by specific commodities/services
- Be qualified to participate in the Small Business Enterprise Program
Visit the LA County Vendor Self Service Portal
2.2 Go to LA County Vendor Self Service Portal (VSS) to:
- Manage account information
- View financial transactions
- Respond to solicitations
- Get additional guidance on how to use the portal
Determine Level of Care
3.1 Determine Compliance with Levels of Care to be offered at your Facility
- ASAM 0.5, 1.0, 2.1 – Outpatient
(Adult – 1.0, 2.1, Youth – 0.5, 1.0, 2.1) - ASAM 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5, 3.7, 4.0 (Adult & Youth)
- Opioid Treatment Program (OTP)
- Special Population – Youth
If you have an existing STRTP, you might be able to bypass submitting a new license through the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division (CDSS). - Special Population - Perinatal
Notify SAPC
3.2 Send SAPC a Letter of Intent to apply as a Drug Medi-Cal (DMC) provider
Download a Letter of Intent template and email the completed pdf to SAPC.
Obtain Licenses and/or Certifications
4.1 Check Zoning Regulations to Confirm the Treatment Facility Site Selection
- Outpatient Facilities
Obtain zoning approval and fire clearance. - Residential Facilities
Confirm site is zoned for residential treatment. The State Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) will obtain fire clearance directly.
4.2 DHCS Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Certification and/or License
AOD certification is required for each outpatient site.
AOD licensure is required for each residential site.
OUTPATIENT - Complete the Initial Treatment Provider Application (DHCS 6002) for program certification.
- Residential Treatment Services
YOUTH - Licensed by California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Community Care Licensing (CCL) and Certified by DHCS through the DHCS 6002 application. ADULT - Licensed and Certified by DHCS through the DHCS 6002 application. - Residential Treatment Facilities
Must obtain DHCS Level of Care (LOC) Designation Application (DHCS 4022) or ASAM LOC Questionnaire to receive designation for provided levels of care (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, and/or 3.5), consistent with all its program services. - Incidental Medical Services (IMS)
Residential facilities offering Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) must complete DHCS Form 5256 and DHCS Form 4026. Visit this link for IMS FAQ.
Additional Certification Requirements
4.2.1 Withdrawal Management
(1-WM, 2-WM, and 3.2-WM)
- Withdrawal Management
Must have a Detox designation on their AOD license/certification in addition to the licensure/certification requirements listed above. - Inpatient Withdrawal Management (IWS)
Must be licensed by the California Department of Public Health to operate as a Chemical Dependency Recovery Hospital(CDRH) or free-standing psychiatric facility. - Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP)
Must complete the Narcotic Treatment Program Initial Application (DHCS 5014)
4.3 DHCS Drug Medi-Cal (DMC) Certification
Each agency-operated site must obtain DMC certification for provided LOCs.
Complete the Drug Medi-Cal Application in the Provider Application and Validation for Enrollment (PAVE) portal system.
For DMC Provider FAQs and Resources, contact the Provider Enrollment Division.
4.4 Check-in periodically with a status update.
Apply for SAPC Contract
Prospective Drug Medi-Cal (DMC) Contract Application
Contact SAPC’s Contracts and Compliance Division for additional guidance and information.
The County contracting process can take up to 6 months to complete AFTER an organization receives their State certification and/or license (which can take 6-12 months), so it is important to start as soon as possible.
What to Expect Next
Additional steps to be provided by SAPC…
- Review and determine completeness of application and accuracy of submitted documentation.
- If all is complete and accurate*, a financial review will be conducted.
*Note: Timely responsiveness by applicants with completed information is important to facilitate time - Once financial review clears, a contract would be offered.
- Onboarding orientation would be scheduled.
- Services may begin effective date of contract execution.
- Early watch review will be conducted within three (3) to six (6) months of billing.
