Background Policy & GAPS Information

  • Effective 1/1/2026, DBHDD has the authority to license Adult Residential Mental Health Programs (ARMHPs), Community Living Arrangements (CLA), Drug Abuse and Treatment Education Programs (DATEP), and Narcotic Treatment Programs (NTP). Each program has specific requirements around background checks. Please see below for program specific information and instructions. 
  • Effective 7/1/2026, House Bill 1097 gives DBHDD the authority to background check owners, applicants, and employees of ARMHPs and DATEPs. It also gives DBHDD authority to background check CLA Owners. Authority to background check NTP owners/administrators was given in HB 584. All background checks must be completed through DBHDD's background check system - CheckPT. For further details, please see the information below.

Licensure Related Background Check Information

CheckPT User Guides

Frequently Asked Questions  (PDF, 501.77 KB)

Background Checks for DBHDD Network Provider Applicants, 04-104
Note that attachments are linked at the bottom of the policy. 

To view this policy and all other DBHDD Policies, please go to DBHDD PolicyStat: http://dbhdd.georgia.gov/policies. Questions may be sent to  [email protected].

CHRIS Application