Substance Abuse Residential Facility Guidelines for the State of Iowa

Substance abuse residential facilities provide services for drug addicts. Iowa, like other states, regulates these services and the legislature provides strict guidelines regulating program operations.

Operation

• All substance abuse residential facilities must submit an initial application to operate. The program may not provide services until the facility has undergone an inspection by the Iowa Board of Health.

Categories

• In addition to the type of license, in this case residential, the Iowa Board of Health initially provides a license for 270 days. Renewable licenses are granted for one, two or three years, depending on compliance issues. Substance abuse residential facilities may also be licensed to offer gambling addiction treatment as well.

Safety

• Substance abuse residential treatment facilities must comply with state fire marshal's codes along with food service sanitation requirements. The facility must operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, provide three meals a day and provide client access to attorneys.

Visitation

• The substance abuse residential facility must also provide a clear outline regarding telephone and written communications. They must also set specific visitation hours so patients can maintain ongoing contact with family members.