The Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) is responsible for regulating the provision of behavioral health services in Colorado by developing and monitoring reasonable and proper standards, rules and regulations. If you want to know more about BHE qualifications and other designation and licensing information, visit our Behavioral health designation and licensing page.
Current rules and licensing
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) currently licenses Behavioral Health Entities. Explore CDPHE's Behavioral Health Entity Licensing Resources website for more information on current regulations.
The BHA regulates licensed and designated facilities that provide behavioral health education and treatment services. Review the current version of the BHA rules.
The State Board of Human Services (SBHS) is the rule-making body responsible for reviewing and adopting rules regarding programs and services that are regulated by the BHA. Learn more about the rulemaking process.
Contact the Safety Net Licensing team at cdhs_bharulefeedback@state.co.us.
Q&S Newsletter
Want to stay informed about the Quality and Standards Division (Q&S) within the BHA? Sign up for the Q&S Newsletter to receive updates about Q&S news, engagement opportunities, events, resources and more.
Licensing structure updates
The BHA is restructuring its licensing structure to support rule language updates. This change is set to be complete as of Jan. 1, 2024. This is in alignment with taking on authority of the Behavioral Health Entity (BHE) license per House Bill 19-1237, House Bill 22-1278, and House Bill 23-1326.
The BHE licensing model will provide a “cafeteria-style” license. This means that the provider will hold a single BHE license with different endorsements allowing the provider to offer various services at multiple locations.
This new model increases flexibility for providers so that they may tailor their license to the services they provide. Ultimately, this adaptability allows for easier addition of services and locations in order to meet the needs of the populations that professionals serve.
BHA provider rule language
UPDATE (Aug. 31, 2023) — Proposed provider rules related to the Behavioral Health Entity license, Safety Net approval, and 27-65 designation were updated in response to stakeholder feedback.
- Complete rulemaking packet — 609 pages (last updated Aug. 31)
- Proposed rule language, Chapters 1-12 — 372 pages (last updated Aug. 31)
- Authority, comments and responses — 211 pages (last updated Aug. 18)
Update to the proposed BHE fee structure
The rulemaking process creates fees for the BHE license, including initial license fees, renewal license fees, and fees for adding endorsements or locations. The license fee for each provider will be determined based on the number and types of endorsements and physical locations included with the license.
- View the proposed fee structure
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Download a PDF of the proposed fee schedule update.
Rule town halls and community events
As part of creating rules per HB 23-1236, the BHA held a series of stakeholder engagement events in May and June of 2023. The stakeholder engagement meetings covered rules and regulations related to the Behavioral Health Entity (BHE) base license and endorsements, 27-65 Designation, Safety Net and Care Management.
- View recordings and slideshows from the town halls
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YouTube playlist of town hall recordings
Licensing transition resources
- Behavioral Health Safety Net Providers Fact Sheet (September 2023)
- FAQ about the delayed launch of Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organizations (BHASOs)
- State Board of Human Services Testimony and BHA Response (March 2023)
- BHA Provider Rules Outline and Sources (Sept. 8, 2023)
- Is my agency a Behavioral Health Entity?
- Behavioral Health Entity License (BHE) Transition: Frequently Asked Questions
- Behavioral Health Entity (BHE) Endorsement Structure
- Level of Care Timelines
- Behavioral Health Acronym Glossary