What You Need to Know About DBHDS Licensing for Group Homes

DBHDS Group Home Licensing in Virginia: What Providers Need to Know

Opening a group home in Virginia is an opportunity to make a lasting impact, but it comes with important regulatory steps—starting with obtaining a license from the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). Whether your goal is to support individuals with disabilities, mental illness, or behavioral challenges, understanding the DBHDS licensing process is the key to launching a compliant and successful home.

The first step is selecting your service type. DBHDS licenses various categories of residential services, including:

• MH (Mental Health) Residential for Adults

• DD (Developmental Disability) Residential Supervised Living

• Brain Injury Residential Services

• Crisis Stabilization Units

• Respite Services for both children and adults

Each service type has its own program codes and regulatory requirements, outlined in Virginia’s Administrative Code (Title 12, Chapter 105).

After identifying your target population and service type, you must complete the Initial Provider Application Packet, available on the DBHDS website. This packet includes a detailed service description, organizational structure, policies and procedures, and a quality improvement plan. Applicants must also submit their business license, zoning approval, and documentation of property readiness.

One key part of the licensing process is the development of Human Rights Policies and Procedures. Every group home in Virginia must comply with the Human Rights Regulations administered by DBHDS. Applicants are required to affiliate with a Local Human Rights Committee (LHRC), submit a Human Rights Verification Checklist, and ensure all staff are trained in resident rights, privacy, and complaint procedures.

Background checks are another vital requirement. The provider must set up an account with the DBHDS Background Investigation Unit and submit criminal background checks, CPS checks, and registry searches for designated staff members. This step ensures the safety and suitability of all employees working in direct care roles.

Before final approval, DBHDS conducts an on-site inspection of your home. Inspectors assess the physical environment, safety protocols, emergency preparedness, staff training files, and compliance with documentation. The property must meet accessibility and safety standards—including fire extinguishers, locked medication storage, proper sleeping arrangements, and clear documentation for services provided.

Applicants for Priority Services—such as DD and MH Residential—can expect their licensing process to be expedited. In many cases, DBHDS can issue licenses within 90 days of receiving a complete, compliant application.

Though the process is detailed, it is designed to protect vulnerable residents and ensure consistent, high-quality care across the state. Providers who approach licensing with thorough preparation and strong documentation are more likely to receive prompt approval and support from the department.

Understanding DBHDS requirements is an essential part of starting a group home in Virginia. With the right knowledge and commitment to compliance, it’s entirely possible to build a successful, licensed home that serves real community needs.