Michigan NARR State Affiliate (MARR) | Complete Guide

Michigan NARR State Affiliate: A Complete Guide to MARR Certification

Introduction

The Michigan Association of Recovery Resources (MARR) serves as Michigan’s official NARR affiliate, providing certification and quality standards for recovery residences throughout the state. Based in Holland, Michigan, MARR is dedicated to certifying recovery residences to nationally recognized NARR standards, publishing a directory of certified homes, and providing training to operators across the state.

Michigan continues to face significant challenges from the opioid crisis and substance use disorders. With thousands of individuals seeking recovery support each year, MARR-certified recovery residences play a critical role in bridging the gap between clinical addiction treatment and independent living. MARR ensures that these homes provide structured, ethical, and supportive environments that promote sustained recovery.

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

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Table of Contents:

1. About Michigan Association of Recovery Resources (MARR)
2. NARR Certification Levels
3. How to Get Certified
4. Benefits of MARR Certification
5. Compliance and Best Practices
6. Contact Information and Resources

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About Michigan Association of Recovery Resources (MARR)

History and Mission

MARR serves as the Michigan statewide affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences, Inc. (NARR). The organization was established to bring nationally recognized certification standards to Michigan’s growing recovery housing landscape, addressing the state’s urgent need for quality-controlled sober living environments as demand has increased alongside rising substance use disorder rates.

Michigan state law mandates that state-funded agencies refer clients only to certified recovery homes, making MARR certification increasingly important for operators who serve publicly funded residents. This legislative framework has strengthened MARR’s role as the gatekeeper for quality recovery housing across the state.

Mission Statement

MARR’s mission is to:

• Certify Michigan recovery residences to the NARR standards
• Publish a directory of certified recovery residences in Michigan
• Provide trainings in the NARR standards for operators and staff
• Expand access to safe, ethical, and supportive recovery housing statewide
• Advocate for recovery housing quality and resident protections

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NARR Certification Levels

MARR 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 MARR

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

Step 2: Submit Application

Apply through MARR’s certification portal at marronline.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 MARR 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

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

MARR provides regular training sessions across Michigan to help operators and their staff meet these requirements and stay current with evolving best practices.

Step 5: Certification Decision

Upon completion of the review process, MARR 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:

• Re-certification every two years
• Regular communication with MARR
• Continuous quality improvement processes
• Implementing resident feedback systems
• Attending mandatory training sessions provided by MARR

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Benefits of MARR 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
• Listed in MARR’s published directory of certified homes

Access to Referrals

• Healthcare providers prefer certified facilities
• Treatment centers seek certified referral partners
• Michigan courts and probation programs recognize MARR certification
• Insurance companies value certified recovery residences
• State-funded agencies are mandated to refer to certified homes

Operational Excellence

• Clear guidelines for running a quality program
• Access to training and education resources provided by MARR
• Connection to a statewide network of certified operators
• Support from MARR staff for compliance questions
• Best practices drawn from national 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 shows higher sustained sobriety rates in certified residences

Funding Opportunities

• Some grant programs require NARR certification
• Opioid settlement funding may be available to certified homes
• Michigan state and county funding programs prefer certified residences
• Enhanced credibility for fundraising efforts
• Access to resources through MARR’s network of partners

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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 per Michigan building codes
• Maintain adequate first aid supplies and naloxone availability
• Develop emergency response plans
• Ensure proper medication storage

10-Point Compliance Checklist

1. Maintain current MARR/NARR certification
2. Train all staff on HIPAA regulations
3. Conduct regular internal audits
4. Communicate with local health authorities
5. Keep accurate records of resident progress
6. Ensure adequate insurance coverage
7. Stay current on Michigan legislative changes
8. Foster an inclusive environment
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

Michigan Association of Recovery Resources (MARR)

Address: 370 Country Club Road, Suite 20, Holland, MI 49423

Phone: 616-312-2100

Email: kohare@micharr.com

Website: https://marronline.org

NARR Affiliate Page: https://narronline.org/affiliate/michigan-association-of-recovery-residences/

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

For additional information about substance use treatment and recovery services in Michigan, visit the MDHHS Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Administration.

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 Michigan, see our related guides:

• Understanding the Changing NARR Regulations for Michigan, New Jersey, and Virginia Sober Living Homes
• Michigan is an Ideal Place to Open a Sober Living Home

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Conclusion

MARR certification demonstrates your commitment to providing quality, ethical recovery housing in Michigan. 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. With Michigan’s mandate that state-funded agencies refer clients to certified homes, MARR certification is not only a mark of quality but a practical advantage for operators across the state.

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 MARR certification.

Last Updated: February 2026