Selling a behavioral health practice in Arizona

ADHS licensing on a change of ownership

ADHS licenses behavioral health facilities, including outpatient treatment centers, behavioral health inpatient facilities, and residential facilities, as health care institutions. Under A.R.S. § 36-422, the current licensee gives ADHS written notice at least 30 days before a change of ownership, and the new owner cannot operate until ADHS issues its license. ADHS's rules on changes affecting a license, in R9-10-109, set out how those changes are handled.

Buyers usually tie closing to the issued license and plan staffing, payer credentialing, and AHCCCS enrollment around that date.

ABA therapy: licensure and AHCCCS

Arizona's Board of Psychologist Examiners regulates both psychology and behavior analysis, and behavior analysts must be licensed by the Board to provide behavior analytic services independently in Arizona. Buyers check every analyst's Arizona license alongside BACB certification.

AHCCCS covers ABA for eligible members diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, including assessment, treatment planning, and ongoing therapy. Buyers look at your mix of AHCCCS health plan and commercial revenue, authorization trends, and analyst tenure.

What Arizona buyers underwrite

These items move price the most in Arizona.

Licensing path

ADHS license timing for each licensed facility.

Clinician licensure

Arizona licenses for analysts, therapists, and prescribers.

Payer contracts

AHCCCS health plans and commercial payers in the practice's name.

Documentation

Treatment records that support level of care and billing.