Maryland NARR State Affiliate | Recovery Housing Certification Guide

Maryland NARR State Affiliate Status

As of January 2026, Maryland does not have an official NARR (National Alliance for Recovery Residences) state affiliate. This means there is no state-level organization specifically designated to certify recovery residences under NARR standards in the Old Line State.

Maryland has been at the forefront of addressing the opioid crisis, which has hit the state particularly hard. Despite significant state-level attention to addiction services, a formal NARR affiliate has not yet been established.

What This Means for Recovery Housing Operators in Maryland

The absence of a state NARR affiliate does not prevent Maryland recovery residence operators from providing quality housing or pursuing certification standards. Here’s what you should know:

Current Landscape

• No mandatory NARR certification: Maryland does not currently require recovery residences to be certified under NARR standards
• State-level initiatives: Maryland has implemented various programs to address substance use disorders
• High demand market: The Baltimore-Washington corridor has significant need for recovery housing
• Regulatory attention: Maryland has considered various approaches to recovery housing oversight

Benefits of Pursuing Certification Anyway

Even without a state affiliate, pursuing NARR standards offers significant advantages:

1. Credibility: Demonstrates commitment to quality care in a competitive market
2. Referral partnerships: Treatment centers prefer certified or standards-compliant homes
3. Operational excellence: NARR standards provide proven best practices
4. Future preparedness: Positions your home for potential state regulations

Certification Options for Maryland Recovery Residences

Option 1: NARR National Direct Certification

The National Alliance for Recovery Residences provides resources for operators in states without affiliates:

• Access to the NARR Standard 3.0 documentation
• Training resources and educational webinars
• Guidance on implementing quality standards
• Connection to the national recovery housing community

Contact NARR National: narronline.org

Option 2: Adopt NARR Standards Independently

Even without formal certification, Maryland operators can:

• Implement NARR’s four-level recovery residence model
• Follow the NARR Code of Ethics
• Adopt safety and operational standards from the NARR Standard 3.0
• Document compliance for potential future certification

Option 3: Partner with Neighboring State Affiliates

Some operators explore relationships with affiliates in neighboring states:

• Pennsylvania Alliance of Recovery Residences (PARR): Nearby affiliate with established programs
• Virginia Association of Recovery Residences (VARR): Regional training opportunities
• Delaware Alliance of Recovery Residences: May provide guidance and resources

When Will Maryland Get a NARR Affiliate?

NARR state affiliates typically form through grassroots efforts by recovery housing operators, advocacy groups, and state agencies. Here’s what’s needed:

Requirements for Forming a State Affiliate

1. Coalition building: Operators, advocates, and stakeholders must unite
2. Nonprofit formation: Most affiliates operate as 501(c)(3) organizations
3. NARR application: The coalition must apply to NARR for affiliate status
4. Training requirements: Leadership must complete NARR affiliate training
5. Sustainable funding: Affiliates need resources to operate certification programs

Maryland’s Unique Opportunity

Maryland has several factors that could support affiliate formation:

• Strong recovery advocacy community
• Significant state funding for addiction services
• Proximity to Washington, D.C. policy discussions
• High concentration of treatment providers seeking recovery housing partners

How You Can Help

If you want to see a NARR affiliate established in Maryland:

• Connect with other operators: Build relationships with recovery housing providers statewide
• Engage advocacy groups: Work with Maryland’s recovery community organizations
• Contact NARR: Express interest in forming a Maryland affiliate
• Attend NARR conferences: Network with affiliate leaders from other states
• Partner with state agencies: Engage with the Maryland Department of Health

Maryland Recovery Housing Regulations

While there’s no NARR affiliate, Maryland operators should understand existing requirements:

State-Level Considerations

• Fair Housing Act protections: Recovery residences are protected as housing for persons with disabilities
• Local zoning ordinances: Requirements vary by county and municipality
• Business licensing: Standard registration requirements apply
• Health and safety codes: Local building and fire codes must be met
• County regulations: Some Maryland counties have specific requirements for group homes

Best Practices for Unregulated Markets

Operating without mandatory certification means self-regulation is essential:

1. Develop comprehensive house rules and resident agreements
2. Implement consistent drug testing protocols
3. Maintain proper liability insurance
4. Create and practice emergency procedures
5. Document all policies and resident interactions

Related Resources

For Maryland recovery housing operators, these resources provide additional guidance:

• Opening a Sober Living Home in Maryland - Guide for Maryland operators
• NARR Updates for Maryland - Latest regulatory news
• Peer Support Services in Maryland - Medicaid reimbursement information
• Grants for Recovery Homes - Funding opportunities
• NARR National Website - Standards and resources

Stay Updated

We’ll update this page when Maryland establishes a NARR state affiliate. In the meantime:

1. Subscribe to NARR updates: Stay informed about national developments
2. Join recovery housing networks: Connect with operators in Maryland and neighboring states
3. Explore Sober Living App: Our software helps operators maintain quality standards and documentation

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Last Updated: January 2026

Note: This page will be updated when Maryland establishes a NARR state affiliate. Check back regularly for the latest information on recovery housing certification in Maryland.