Montana NARR State Affiliate (RAM) | Complete Guide

Montana NARR State Affiliate: A Complete Guide to RAM Certification

Introduction

Recovery Access Montana (RAM) serves as Montana’s official NARR affiliate, providing certification and quality standards for recovery residences throughout the state. Founded in 2017, RAM is dedicated to expanding the availability of well-operated, ethical, and supportive recovery housing for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders across Montana’s vast and often rural landscape.

Montana faces unique challenges in addressing substance use disorders. The state has experienced a sharp rise in overdose deaths, with opioid-related fatalities more than doubling since 2019. Montana’s frontier geography, where some counties have fewer than six people per square mile, makes access to treatment and recovery support services especially difficult. RAM’s work certifying recovery residences is critical to building a statewide infrastructure that supports long-term recovery regardless of where someone lives.

Value Proposition: This comprehensive guide provides recovery residence operators, entrepreneurs, and healthcare providers with everything needed to understand RAM certification requirements, the application process, Montana’s SB 94 regulations, and the benefits of becoming a certified recovery residence in Montana.

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Table of Contents:

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

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About Recovery Access Montana (RAM)

History and Mission

RAM was founded in 2017 as Montana’s official NARR affiliate, establishing a framework for certifying recovery residences according to nationally recognized standards. Since its founding, RAM has certified over 10 residences across the state and has worked closely with state agencies to strengthen recovery housing infrastructure.

Montana took a significant step forward with the passage of Senate Bill 94 (SB 94), which established a regulatory framework for recovery residences. Under SB 94, state-funded agencies are required to refer clients only to certified recovery homes, creating a direct link between RAM certification and access to public funding streams. This legislation recognized that unregulated recovery housing posed risks to vulnerable populations and that voluntary certification alone was insufficient to protect residents.

Mission Statement

RAM’s mission is to:

• Expand access to quality recovery residences throughout Montana, including rural and frontier communities
• Uphold high standards of ethics and best practices aligned with NARR Standard 3.0
• Provide education, training, and advocacy for recovery housing operators
• Ensure residents have access to safe, supportive environments that promote long-term recovery
• Support implementation of SB 94 and state recovery housing regulations

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NARR Certification Levels

RAM 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

Given Montana’s rural and frontier geography, Level 1 and Level 2 homes are particularly important for smaller communities where clinical staffing may be limited. RAM works with operators to identify the certification level that best fits their community’s needs and available resources.

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How to Get Certified with RAM

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

Montana operators should also review SB 94 requirements, as state regulations work alongside NARR standards to define expectations for certified homes.

Step 2: Submit Application

Apply through RAM’s website at recoveryaccessmontana.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: 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
• Complete any Montana-specific training requirements under SB 94

Step 4: Site Inspection

A RAM 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
• Assess emergency preparedness, which is especially important in Montana given extreme weather conditions and geographic isolation

Step 5: Certification Decision

Upon completion of the review process, RAM will issue:

• Full Certification: All standards are met and the residence is approved
• 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:

• Annual renewal inspections
• Regular communication with RAM
• Continuous quality improvement processes
• Implementing resident feedback systems
• Staying current with any changes to SB 94 regulations or NARR standards

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Benefits of RAM 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
• Positions your home as a leader in Montana’s recovery housing landscape

Access to Referrals

• SB 94 requires state-funded agencies to refer clients only to certified homes
• Healthcare providers prefer certified facilities
• Treatment centers seek certified referral partners
• Courts and probation programs recognize RAM certification
• Veterans Affairs and tribal health programs value NARR-aligned certification

Operational Excellence

• Clear guidelines for running a quality program
• Access to training and education resources
• Connection to a network of certified operators across Montana and nationally
• Support from RAM staff for compliance questions
• Best practices tailored to Montana’s unique rural and frontier operating environment

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
• Residents benefit from homes that meet nationally recognized benchmarks

Funding Opportunities

• SB 94 links certification to eligibility for state-funded referrals
• Opioid settlement funding increasingly requires or prefers NARR certification
• Federal grant programs such as SAMHSA prioritize certified recovery housing
• State and county funding programs prefer certified homes
• Enhanced credibility for fundraising efforts and community partnerships

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Compliance and Best Practices

Key Compliance Requirements

SB 94 and State Regulations

• Understand Montana’s regulatory framework for recovery residences
• Maintain certification to remain eligible for state-funded referrals
• Stay current on any regulatory updates from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
• Comply with local zoning and building code 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
• Maintain adequate first aid supplies and naloxone
• Develop emergency response plans that account for Montana’s extreme weather, wildfires, and geographic isolation
• Ensure proper medication storage

10-Point Compliance Checklist

1. Maintain current RAM/NARR certification and meet SB 94 requirements
2. Train all staff on HIPAA regulations and confidentiality protocols
3. Conduct regular internal audits of operations and documentation
4. Communicate with local health authorities and community stakeholders
5. Keep accurate records of resident progress and outcomes
6. Ensure adequate insurance coverage including liability and property
7. Stay current on legislative changes at state and federal levels
8. Foster an inclusive environment that respects all residents
9. Review and update policies regularly, at minimum annually
10. Implement continuous quality improvement and resident feedback systems

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 management
• Manage drug testing schedules and results
• Document house meetings, activities, and incident reports
• Generate reports for RAM certification reviews and SB 94 compliance
• Maintain organized records for annual inspections
• Coordinate across multiple locations, which is especially valuable for operators serving Montana’s geographically dispersed communities

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Contact Information and Resources

Recovery Access Montana (RAM)

Website: https://recoveryaccessmontana.org

NARR Affiliate Page: https://narronline.org/affiliate/recovery-access-montana/

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services

For additional information about substance use treatment and recovery services in Montana, visit the Montana DPHHS Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Division.

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 Montana, see our guide: How to Open a Sober Living Home in Montana

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Conclusion

RAM certification demonstrates your commitment to providing quality, ethical recovery housing in Montana. By meeting NARR’s nationally recognized standards and complying with SB 94 regulations, you position your residence as a trusted resource for individuals seeking a supportive environment for their recovery journey. In a state where rural and frontier communities face significant barriers to accessing treatment and recovery services, certified recovery residences serve as a vital link 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 RAM certification and SB 94 compliance.

Last Updated: February 2026