Illinois NARR State Affiliate | Complete Guide

Illinois NARR State Affiliate: A Complete Guide to Recovery Housing Certification

Introduction

Illinois faces one of the most significant substance use challenges in the Midwest. The state’s opioid crisis has driven thousands of overdose deaths, with the Illinois Department of Public Health reporting consistently elevated fatality rates across both urban and rural counties. In response, recovery residences have become an essential link in the continuum of care, bridging the gap between clinical treatment and independent living. The Illinois Association of Extended Care (IAEC), serving as Illinois’s official NARR affiliate, plays a central role in certifying recovery residences and upholding nationally recognized quality standards across the state.

Value Proposition: This comprehensive guide provides recovery residence operators, entrepreneurs, and healthcare providers with everything needed to understand Illinois NARR certification requirements, the application process, and the benefits of becoming a certified recovery residence in Illinois.

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Table of Contents:

1. About the Illinois NARR Affiliate
2. NARR Certification Levels
3. How to Get Certified
4. Benefits of Certification
5. Compliance and Best Practices
6. Contact Information and Resources

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About the Illinois NARR Affiliate

History and Mission

The Illinois Association of Extended Care (IAEC) is a statewide association of individuals, residential extended care facilities, recovery homes, and sober living facilities committed to quality residential services. As the official NARR affiliate for Illinois, IAEC is entrusted with implementing NARR’s best practice national standards throughout the state. The organization works to ensure that Illinois recovery residence providers can earn nationally recognized NARR certification for meeting those standards.

IAEC’s member facilities have a proven track record of success in supporting recovery for individuals who have faced extraordinary difficulty maintaining a clean and sober lifestyle. The organization advocates for greater public awareness regarding the vital role recovery residences play in providing effective, low-cost services within the broader healthcare system.

Mission Statement

IAEC’s mission is to:

• Expand access to quality recovery residences throughout Illinois
• Uphold high standards of ethics and best practices in recovery housing
• Provide education, training, and advocacy for recovery housing operators
• Ensure residents have access to safe, supportive environments that promote long-term recovery
• Work with state agencies including the Illinois Department of Human Services to shape recovery housing policy

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NARR Certification Levels

The Illinois NARR affiliate certifies recovery residences according to NARR’s four nationally recognized levels of support:

Level 1: Peer-Run Recovery Residences

• Democratically operated by residents
• No paid staff on-site
• Peer-based support and accountability
• Residents manage house operations collectively
• Most affordable option for residents

Level 2: Monitored Recovery Residences

• House manager or senior resident provides oversight
• Regular monitoring of house activities
• Structured environment with established house rules
• Connection to recovery support services
• Drug testing and accountability measures

Level 3: Supervised Recovery Residences

• 24/7 staff presence
• Paid staff providing direct support
• Structured programming and recovery services
• Service coordination with treatment providers
• Higher level of accountability and structure

Level 4: Service Provider Recovery Residences

• Clinical services integrated into housing
• Credentialed clinical staff
• Intensive support for residents with complex needs
• Licensed treatment facility standards may apply
• Comprehensive programming and case management

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How to Get Certified

Step 1: Review NARR Standards

Before applying, familiarize yourself with NARR Standard 3.0, which covers:

• Administrative and fiscal management
• Resident rights and responsibilities
• Health, safety, and wellness protocols
• Recovery support programming
• Ethical practices and good neighbor policies

Illinois operators should also review relevant sections of the Illinois Administrative Code, particularly Title 77, Section 2060, which governs referrals between licensed service providers and recovery residences.

Step 2: Submit Application

Apply through the Illinois NARR affiliate’s certification process. The application requires:

• Detailed organizational information
• Policies and procedures documentation
• Resident agreements and house rules
• Staff qualifications and training records
• Financial and operational information

Step 3: Site Inspection

A representative will conduct an on-site inspection based on NARR standards. Inspectors will:

• Tour the facility and assess physical safety
• Review resident files and operational logs
• Interview staff and residents
• Verify compliance with all standards

Illinois inspectors pay particular attention to fire safety compliance, medication storage protocols, and accessibility requirements that align with both NARR standards and Illinois state building codes.

Step 4: Staff Training

All individuals who interact with residents must:

• Read and sign the NARR Code of Ethics
• Complete required training modules
• Understand HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 confidentiality requirements
• Demonstrate competency in recovery support
• Complete training on naloxone administration, given Illinois’s ongoing opioid crisis

Step 5: Certification Decision

Upon completion of the review process, the affiliate will issue:

• Full Certification: Valid for two years when all standards are met
• Conditional Approval: Minor deficiencies must be corrected within a specified timeframe
• Deferred Approval: Significant issues require corrective action before certification

Step 6: Ongoing Compliance

Maintain certification through:

• Re-certification every two years
• Regular communication with the affiliate
• Continuous quality improvement processes
• Implementing resident feedback systems
• Staying current with Illinois regulatory changes

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Benefits of Certification

Credibility and Trust

• National recognition through NARR affiliation
• Demonstrates commitment to quality standards
• Builds trust with referral sources and families
• Distinguishes your residence from non-certified facilities in an increasingly competitive Illinois market

Access to Referrals

• Healthcare providers across Illinois prefer certified facilities
• Treatment centers seek certified referral partners
• Courts, drug courts, and probation programs recognize NARR certification
• Insurance companies and managed care organizations value certified recovery residences
• The Illinois Department of Human Services maintains a voluntary registry, and certification strengthens your standing

Operational Excellence

• Clear guidelines for running a quality program
• Access to training and education resources, including the National Certified Recovery Specialist (NCRS) credential
• Connection to a statewide network of certified operators
• Support from affiliate staff for compliance questions

Resident Outcomes

• Better outcomes for residents in certified homes compared to non-certified alternatives
• Structured environments promote long-term recovery
• Peer support models enhance accountability
• Quality standards ensure resident safety and dignity
• Research from institutions like Chestnut Health Systems confirms that residents in structured sober living environments are more likely to maintain sobriety

Funding Opportunities

• Some grant programs require NARR certification
• Illinois opioid settlement funding may be available to certified residences
• State and county funding programs prefer certified homes
• Enhanced credibility strengthens fundraising efforts
• Federal block grant dollars administered through IDHS increasingly favor certified operators

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Compliance and Best Practices

Key Compliance Requirements

HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 Compliance

• Protect all resident health information
• Train staff on confidentiality requirements specific to substance use treatment records
• Implement secure record-keeping systems
• Follow proper procedures for information disclosure

Fair Housing Act

• Ensure non-discriminatory admissions policies
• Provide reasonable accommodations when required
• Understand protected class requirements
• Maintain compliant marketing materials

Safety Standards

• Meet all fire safety requirements per Illinois fire code
• Maintain adequate first aid supplies and naloxone kits
• Develop emergency response plans
• Ensure proper medication storage in compliance with state regulations

10-Point Compliance Checklist

1. Maintain current NARR certification through the Illinois affiliate
2. Train all staff on HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 regulations
3. Conduct regular internal audits of operations and documentation
4. Communicate with local health authorities and zoning boards
5. Keep accurate records of resident progress and outcomes
6. Ensure adequate insurance coverage for your level of service
7. Stay current on Illinois legislative changes affecting recovery housing
8. Foster an inclusive environment for all residents regardless of background
9. Review and update policies regularly to reflect current best practices
10. Implement continuous quality improvement processes with measurable benchmarks

Using Technology for Compliance

Streamline your operations and maintain compliance with Sober Living App, which helps you:

• Track resident information securely with HIPAA-compliant record keeping
• Manage drug testing schedules and results
• Document house meetings and activities
• Generate reports for certification reviews and inspections
• Maintain organized records for NARR re-certification
• Coordinate bed availability and intake across multiple residences

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Contact Information and Resources

Illinois Association of Extended Care (IAEC)

Address: 4628 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60644

Phone: 773-417-2045

Email: Johnw.crcc@gmail.com

Website: https://www.iaecrecoveryillinois.org

NARR Affiliate Page: https://narronline.org/affiliate/illinois-association-of-extended-care/

Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)

For additional information about substance use treatment and recovery services in Illinois, including the state’s voluntary recovery residence registry, visit the Illinois Department of Human Services.

National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR)

Website: https://narronline.org

Access NARR Standard 3.0 and other resources through the national organization.

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Related Resources

For entrepreneurs looking to start a recovery residence in Illinois, see our comprehensive guide on how to open a sober living home in Illinois.

For a broader look at national recovery housing regulations, read our series on understanding national regulations on sober living homes in the United States.

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Conclusion

NARR certification through the Illinois affiliate demonstrates your commitment to providing quality, ethical recovery housing in a state where the need has never been greater. Illinois’s ongoing battle with opioid-related overdoses, combined with growing demand for structured transitional housing across both the Chicago metropolitan area and downstate communities, makes certified recovery residences an essential resource. By meeting NARR’s nationally recognized standards, you position your residence as a trusted partner for treatment providers, courts, and families seeking a supportive environment for their loved ones’ recovery journey.

Ready to streamline your recovery residence operations? Sober Living App provides the tools you need to manage residents, track compliance, and maintain the documentation required for NARR certification in Illinois.

Last Updated: February 2026