Massachusetts NARR State Affiliate (MASH) | Complete Guide

Massachusetts NARR State Affiliate: A Complete Guide to MASH Certification

Introduction

The Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH) serves as Massachusetts’ official NARR affiliate, providing certification and quality standards for recovery residences throughout the Commonwealth. As a nonprofit organization, MASH is dedicated to expanding the availability of well-operated, ethical, and supportive recovery housing for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders.

Massachusetts has been at the forefront of the national response to the opioid crisis, and MASH plays a critical role in that effort. With the Commonwealth’s Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) increasingly directing referrals and funding toward certified recovery residences, MASH certification has become an essential credential for operators committed to providing quality sober living environments.

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

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Table of Contents:

1. About Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH)
2. NARR Certification Levels
3. How to Get Certified
4. Benefits of MASH Certification
5. Compliance and Best Practices
6. Contact Information and Resources

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About Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH)

History and Mission

MASH was founded in 2007, making it one of the earliest NARR affiliates in the nation. The organization was established to bring accountability and quality standards to the recovery housing landscape in Massachusetts at a time when the Commonwealth was grappling with rising substance use disorder rates. MASH works in close partnership with the Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS), part of the Department of Public Health, to implement nationally recognized best practice standards across the state.

Over the years, MASH has grown to certify over 180 sober homes across the Commonwealth, providing essential oversight to ensure these residences meet rigorous safety, ethical, and operational standards. Massachusetts state-funded agencies are directed to refer clients to MASH-certified homes, underscoring the organization’s central role in the state’s recovery infrastructure.

Mission Statement

MASH’s mission is to:

• Expand access to quality recovery residences throughout Massachusetts
• Uphold high standards of ethics and best practices aligned with NARR guidelines
• Provide education, training, and advocacy for recovery housing operators
• Ensure residents have access to safe, supportive environments that promote long-term recovery
• Support the Commonwealth’s response to the opioid and substance use crisis

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NARR Certification Levels

MASH 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 with MASH

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

Massachusetts operators should also review BSAS guidelines, as the Bureau’s requirements for funded placements align closely with MASH certification standards.

Step 2: Submit Application

Apply through MASH’s website at mashsoberhousing.org. 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 MASH 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

Massachusetts inspections place particular emphasis on naloxone availability, fire safety compliance with state building codes, and proper documentation of resident rights in accordance with Commonwealth regulations.

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 confidentiality requirements
• Demonstrate competency in recovery support

MASH also requires that staff complete training on overdose prevention and naloxone administration, reflecting the Commonwealth’s proactive approach to opioid crisis response.

Step 5: Certification Decision

Upon completion of the review process, MASH will issue:

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

Step 6: Ongoing Compliance

Maintain certification through:

• Annual inspections and re-certification every two years
• Regular communication with MASH
• Continuous quality improvement processes
• Implementing resident feedback systems
• Attending mandatory training sessions provided by MASH

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Benefits of MASH 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
• Aligns with Commonwealth standards enforced by BSAS

Access to Referrals

• Healthcare providers prefer certified facilities
• Treatment centers seek certified referral partners
• Courts and probation programs recognize MASH certification
• State-funded agencies in Massachusetts are directed to refer clients to MASH-certified homes
• Insurance companies value certified recovery residences

Operational Excellence

• Clear guidelines for running a quality program
• Access to training and education resources from MASH
• Connection to a network of certified operators across the Commonwealth
• Support from MASH staff for compliance questions
• Benchmarking against nationally recognized NARR standards

Resident Outcomes

• Better outcomes for residents in certified homes
• Structured environments promote long-term recovery
• Peer support models enhance accountability
• Quality standards ensure resident safety and dignity
• Research supports that certified recovery housing reduces relapse rates

Funding Opportunities

• State and federal grant programs increasingly require NARR certification
• Opioid settlement funding may be available to certified operators
• BSAS-funded placements directed to MASH-certified homes
• Enhanced credibility for fundraising and grant applications
• Access to emerging Medicaid reimbursement pathways for recovery support services

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Compliance and Best Practices

Key Compliance Requirements

HIPAA Compliance

• Protect all resident health information
• Train staff on confidentiality requirements
• 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 under Massachusetts building codes
• Maintain adequate first aid supplies and naloxone at each location
• Develop emergency response plans
• Ensure proper medication storage
• Comply with local zoning and occupancy regulations

Massachusetts-Specific Requirements

• Operators should be aware of Massachusetts General Laws related to recovery housing
• BSAS oversight applies to state-funded recovery residence placements
• The Commonwealth requires naloxone availability in recovery residences receiving state funds
• Municipal licensing requirements vary by city and town

10-Point Compliance Checklist

1. Maintain current MASH/NARR certification
2. Train all staff on HIPAA regulations
3. Conduct regular internal audits
4. Communicate with local health authorities and BSAS
5. Keep accurate records of resident progress
6. Ensure adequate insurance coverage
7. Stay current on Massachusetts legislative changes
8. Foster an inclusive environment in compliance with Fair Housing
9. Review and update policies regularly
10. Implement continuous quality improvement

Using Technology for Compliance

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

• Track resident information securely
• Manage drug testing schedules and results
• Document house meetings and activities
• Generate reports for certification reviews
• Maintain organized records for inspections

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Contact Information and Resources

Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH)

Website: https://mashsoberhousing.org

NARR Affiliate Page: https://narronline.org/affiliate/massachusetts-alliance-for-sober-housing/

Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS)

For additional information about substance use treatment and recovery services in Massachusetts, visit the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services, part of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

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 more information about operating a recovery residence in Massachusetts, see our guide: Everything You Need to Open Your Sober Living Home in Massachusetts

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Conclusion

MASH certification demonstrates your commitment to providing quality, ethical recovery housing in Massachusetts. By meeting NARR’s nationally recognized standards, you position your residence as a trusted resource for individuals seeking a supportive environment for their recovery journey. As the Commonwealth continues to strengthen its response to the opioid crisis through agencies like BSAS, certified recovery residences play an increasingly vital role in the continuum of care.

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 MASH certification.

Last Updated: February 2026