LARA: Michigan Behavioral Health Licensing

• State Agency
• LARA

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Michigan LARA Bureau of Community and Health Systems oversees state licensure for substance use disorder programs in Michigan.

At a Glance

Type

State Agency

Acronym

LARA

Headquarters

Lansing, MI

Official Website

Visit site ↗

Last Verified

May 22, 2026

Reading Time

2 min

Why This Matters

• Oversees state licensing for substance use disorder programs through BCHS
• Publishes the SUD program state licensure application process
• Maintains SUD program licensing rules and application forms
• Supports facility-level compliance context for Michigan SUD providers

State Resources

Overview

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is the parent department for the Bureau of Community and Health Systems (BCHS). BCHS is the correct LARA bureau to use for Michigan substance use disorder (SUD) program licensure claims.

This page was re-verified on May 22, 2026. The prior page pointed to LARA Bureau of Professional Licensing health-professional pages. Those pages are not the right source for SUD program or facility licensing claims. For treatment-center, IOP, PHP, or SUD program content, use LARA BCHS SUD licensure materials.

Licensing Requirements

To operate a SUD program in Michigan, providers should start with the LARA BCHS Substance Use Disorder Licensure application process. BCHS says the application page is designed to assist providers through the state licensure process for SUD programs and to provide compliance resources.

The licensing process typically includes the following, though requirements may be updated periodically:

For the most up-to-date requirements and current application materials, visit the LARA BCHS SUD licensure application page ↗.

• Submitting a completed application with required documentation
• Meeting facility standards for safety, staffing, and operations
• Passing an initial on-site inspection
• Demonstrating compliance with state regulations and standards of care
• Maintaining adequate liability insurance coverage

How LARA Affects Your Facility

Michigan group practices expanding into SUD IOP or PHP-style services should verify whether the planned service model requires a SUD program license rather than relying only on individual clinician licenses. Operators should also review Michigan SUD administrative rules, Medicaid/PIHP requirements, and payer credentialing requirements before marketing or billing a new level of care.

Official Sources Used

• LARA BCHS SUD licensure: Application Process for State Licensure ↗
• LARA BCHS: Bureau of Community and Health Systems ↗
• Michigan SUD rules: State Licensing Administrative Rules ↗
• MDHHS Medicaid: Medicaid Provider Manual ↗

Contact Information

• Agency: Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Community and Health Systems
• Abbreviation: LARA
• Website: https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bchs/substance-use-disorder-licensure/application ↗
• State: Michigan (MI)

More State Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

This profile is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, or professional advice. Information about this organization may change — always verify current details with official sources. is not affiliated with this organization unless otherwise stated.

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Official sources

• Visit site ↗michigan.gov
• Bureau of Community and Health Systemsmichigan.gov
• Medicaid Provider Manualmichigan.gov