Drug Rehab For Sale: Practical Things to Consider Before Investing
If you are ready to take the plunge and invest in buying a drug rehab center, you should begin by doing some research. Finding a drug rehab for sale is not a difficult task, but there are many practical things you need to consider before making your final decision.
There are many aspects to buying and running a successful drug rehab, and you never want to make a hasty decision before evaluating all of the factors. In this article, we will discuss the most important considerations before making this investment.
Drug Rehab Licensing Requirements
There are many legal considerations you have to take into account when you are looking at a drug rehab for sale. State laws require specific licensing to operate the centers, so you want to ensure you follow the legal processes.
Every state has different license requirements and you may need to look into the requirements for residential vs. outpatient rehab centers, as they will require different licenses. Many insurance companies are also starting to require accreditation from either CARF or The Joint Commission.
In many cases, buying a drug rehab center that is already licensed and operating can be easier than starting a center from the ground up. However, it is still vital that you apply for the necessary licenses and permits during the buying process. Keep in mind that there are associated annual renewal and compliance costs that you will need to budget for.
Drug Rehab Staff and Clients
One of the most significant benefits of purchasing a drug rehab for sale instead of starting one from the ground up is that it is most likely already fully functional. This means that the center could already have a reliable staff team along with clients who are seeking treatment. However, there are certain considerations you need to take into account for a smooth transition when making the purchase.
Staff retention is essential, and you need to understand the type of team that will already be available. Does the staff know about the sale? Which staff members are planning on moving on or staying with the center?
The staff need to meet state requirements regarding how trained they are and who is licensed to perform medical tasks. For example, you need executive staff, such as a medical director and executive director. You also need intake staff, which includes managers, administrators, caseworkers, medical staff, etc.
Purchasing a drug rehab for sale that already has clients is a bonus. This allows you to hit the ground running and ensures some income when you take over the center after the sale.
Drug Rehab Building Updates
Depending on the drug rehab center that you buy, what is required and what you need to consider regarding the building is going to be very different. In some instances, you may need to consider updates the building requires after you purchase it.
Some drug rehab centers may be outdated or may have damage that you need to address after the purchase. Some centers may require updates to meet state requirements or additional necessities for the clients, such as furnishings and amenities. If this is the case, you need to have the budget for this in place and the resources to address updates as soon as possible.
Drug Rehab HIPAA Compliance
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, is very important for rehab owners to understand. If you are purchasing a rehab center, you and the staff will need to be trained in HIPAA compliance and have a working understanding of how it applies to the center.
HIPAA aims to protect patient data, regulatory compliance, and patient security. You will need to use a secure cloud-based software vendor that is HIPAA-compliant and prioritizes data safety and security.
Addiction Treatment Internal Systems
The process of buying a rehab center can take quite a bit of effort since many internal systems have to be turned over. That is why it is crucial that you have a good understanding of how the center is running and have all of the documentation you need for a seamless transition. Here are some examples of internal systems you will need to get access to:
- Patient records
- Addiction rehab apps
- Internal communication systems
- Email data
- Payment systems
- Medication software
- External financial systems
You will also need to access any marketing tools the rehab center is currently using. This could be things like social media accounts, a website, an email list, or other marketing systems.
It is a good idea to hire experienced rehab center marketing professionals who can help you hit the ground running when it comes to marketing the center once the sale goes through.
Addiction Treatment Proof of Positive Outcomes
It is easy to get caught up in the process of purchasing a drug rehab center, but you need to carefully consider every aspect before moving forward. When evaluating rehab center options, you need to gain access to proof of positive outcomes.
Positive outcomes help to clarify that the rehab center is achieving what it is created to do. This can include a tracking system that showcases the success rate of the rehab programs and the impact these have on the clients.
If applicable, you also want access to proof of positive outcomes for things like the alumni program, marketing strategies, community outreach, and digital presence.
Drug Rehab Center Location and Demand
Where the drug rehab center is located can have a significant impact on how successful it is. Not only is it important to have a drug rehab center in an area where there is a demand, it needs to be in an ideal spot.
Ideally, a drug rehab center should not be too close to any competitors that may provide the same types of services. The center should also be in an area that is easily accessible and visible to the community.
Drug Treatment Specializations
Drug rehab centers vary considerably when it comes to what they specialize in and the types of programs they provide. This can impact which center you choose to purchase, depending on your business goals and your experience.
The first thing you want to consider when it comes to specialties is if the local area has a demand for what the rehab center is providing. Keep in mind that you can always add on specializations after making the purchase, but you will have to build these categories from the ground up.
In most instances, it is better to purchase a drug rehab center that specializes in several rehab areas, as this generates more demand.
Because there are so many different aspects to buying a drug rehab for sale, you’ll need to understand exactly how to approach this process. A good first step would be to find a reliable business broker, specializing in the Rehab space, to help you evaluate your options so you can make an educated and confident decision.
