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New York NARR State Affiliate (NYSARR) | Complete Guide

New York State Alliance of Recovery Residences (NYSARR) - New York's NARR affiliate for recovery housing certification. Requirements, levels, benefits, and how to get certified.

By Sober Living App Team
7 min read
New York recovery housing representing the state's NARR affiliate NYSARR

New York NARR State Affiliate: A Complete Guide to NYSARR Certification

Introduction

The New York State Alliance of Recovery Residences (NYSARR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving as the emerging NYS affiliate for the National Alliance of Recovery Residences (NARR). NYSARR joins 32+ state affiliates across the U.S. who collaborate with NARR to provide certification for recovery residences and facilitate adherence to evidence-based national standards.

Value Proposition: This comprehensive guide provides recovery residence operators with everything needed to understand NYSARR certification, navigate New York’s dual certification landscape, and prepare for the state’s evolving regulatory requirements.


Table of Contents:

  1. About New York State Alliance of Recovery Residences (NYSARR)
  2. New York’s Dual Certification System
  3. NARR Certification Levels
  4. How to Get NYSARR Certified
  5. OASAS State Certification
  6. Benefits of Certification
  7. Compliance and Best Practices
  8. Contact Information and Resources

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.


About New York State Alliance of Recovery Residences (NYSARR)

Mission and Purpose

NYSARR serves to:

  • Provide certification for recovery residences in New York
  • Facilitate adherence to NARR’s evidence-based national standards
  • Uphold the NARR Code of Ethics among certified homes
  • Support quality recovery housing throughout the state

Standards Framework

NYSARR certification is based on full compliance with NARR Standard 3.0, which emphasizes:

  • Resident rights and safety
  • Recovery support programming
  • Good neighbor policies
  • Ethical business practices
  • Quality operational procedures

Recognition in New York

NYSARR certification is often seen as a mark of quality by:

  • Treatment providers
  • Courts and legal systems
  • Insurance companies
  • Families seeking quality housing

New York’s Dual Certification System

Understanding the Landscape

New York offers two primary certification pathways for recovery residences:

  1. NYSARR Certification - Based on NARR national standards
  2. OASAS State Certification - Regulated by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports

Recent Regulatory Developments

September 2024: New regulations for voluntary certification of recovery residences were adopted under 14 NYCRR Part 860.

March 2025: Amendment to sunset Part 819 after February 28, 2026 was adopted.

These changes create a formal state certification program while NYSARR continues to provide NARR-based certification.

Why Consider Both?

Many New York operators seek both OASAS and NYSARR certification to:

  • Maximize funding opportunities
  • Expand referral partnerships
  • Demonstrate comprehensive compliance
  • Access different networks and programs

NARR Certification Levels

NYSARR certifies recovery residences based on NARR’s four levels of structure and services. Most non-clinical sober homes in New York apply for Level 1 or Level 2 certification.

Level 1: Peer-Run Recovery Residences

  • Peer-operated homes
  • Democratic governance
  • No paid staff required
  • Resident-driven length of stay
  • Self-supporting operations

Level 2: Monitored Recovery Residences

  • House manager oversight
  • Regular monitoring of activities
  • Structured house rules
  • Connection to recovery services
  • Drug testing protocols

Level 3: Supervised Recovery Residences

  • 24/7 staff presence
  • Paid staff providing support
  • Structured programming
  • Service coordination
  • Higher accountability standards

Level 4: Clinically Integrated Recovery Residences

  • Clinical services integrated
  • Credentialed staff
  • Intensive support services
  • Comprehensive programming
  • May require additional licensing

How to Get NYSARR Certified

Step 1: Prepare for Certification

Before applying:

  • Review NARR Standard 3.0 requirements
  • Assess current operations against standards
  • Develop compliant policies and procedures
  • Train staff on NARR Code of Ethics

Step 2: Submit Application

Apply through NYSARR:

  • Complete application documentation
  • Submit required policies and procedures
  • Provide organizational information
  • Pay applicable fees

Step 3: Document Review

NYSARR reviews:

  • Operational policies
  • Resident rights documentation
  • Safety protocols
  • Staff qualifications
  • Governance structure

Step 4: Site Visit Inspection

Trained NYSARR inspectors conduct comprehensive site visits:

Facility Tour

  • Inspect bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen
  • Review common areas
  • Check fire safety equipment
  • Assess overall environment

Document Review

  • Resident files
  • Operational logs
  • House meeting records
  • Drug test documentation

Interviews

  • Staff interviews
  • Potential resident interviews
  • Verify practices match policies

Assessment Areas

  • Facility safety and cleanliness
  • Occupancy compliance
  • Recovery-oriented environment

Step 5: Certification Decision

Certification outcomes include:

  • Full Certification Approval: No or minimal findings (typically valid for 1 year)
  • Conditional Approval: Minor deficiencies to correct within defined timeframe
  • Deferred Approval: Significant issues require corrective action

Step 6: Maintain Certification

Ongoing requirements:

  • Annual recertification process
  • Compliance with all standards
  • Staff training maintenance
  • Continuous improvement activities

OASAS State Certification

Understanding Part 860

In 2024, OASAS launched New York’s first formal state certification program under 14 NYCRR Part 860. This program:

  • Creates standards for non-clinical recovery residences
  • Focuses on peer support rather than clinical treatment
  • Provides state-level recognition
  • May be required for certain funding

Who Should Consider OASAS Certification?

OASAS certification may be beneficial if you:

  • Seek state referrals or contracts
  • Want access to state funding programs
  • Need recognition from state agencies
  • Operate in networks requiring state certification

Dual Certification Strategy

Many successful operators pursue both certifications:

  • NYSARR: National recognition, NARR network access
  • OASAS: State recognition, government program access

Benefits of Certification

Credibility and Trust

  • National recognition through NARR
  • State recognition through OASAS
  • Demonstrates commitment to quality
  • Builds trust with all stakeholders

Access to Referrals

  • Treatment providers prefer certified homes
  • Courts recognize certification
  • Healthcare networks value certified facilities
  • Insurance companies seek certified partners

Funding Opportunities

  • Grant program eligibility
  • State funding access
  • Contract opportunities
  • Reimbursement program participation

Operational Excellence

  • Clear standards for quality programs
  • Access to training resources
  • Network connections
  • Continuous improvement support

Resident Outcomes

  • Better outcomes in certified homes
  • Structured recovery environments
  • Peer support enhancement
  • Safety and quality assurance

Compliance and Best Practices

Key Compliance Areas

Resident Rights

  • Protect resident rights and dignity
  • Implement fair grievance procedures
  • Ensure confidentiality
  • Provide clear expectations

Safety Standards

  • Meet fire safety requirements
  • Maintain safe environment
  • Develop emergency plans
  • Conduct regular inspections

Recovery Support

  • Provide recovery-focused programming
  • Connect residents to services
  • Support peer relationships
  • Encourage community engagement

Good Neighbor Policies

  • Maintain community relationships
  • Address neighbor concerns
  • Keep property well-maintained
  • Minimize neighborhood impact

10-Point Compliance Checklist

  1. Maintain current NYSARR certification
  2. Consider OASAS certification if applicable
  3. Train staff on NARR Code of Ethics
  4. Keep policies and procedures updated
  5. Maintain accurate resident records
  6. Conduct regular safety inspections
  7. Implement resident feedback systems
  8. Stay current on NY regulatory changes
  9. Prepare for annual recertification
  10. Engage in continuous improvement

Using Technology for Compliance

Sober Living App helps New York recovery residences:

  • 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

Contact Information and Resources

New York State Alliance of Recovery Residences (NYSARR)

Website: https://nysarr.org

About NYSARR: https://www.nysarr.org/about/

NARR Affiliate Page

https://narronline.org/affiliate/new-york-state-alliance-of-recovery-residences/

Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS)

Certification Information: https://oasas.ny.gov/providers/become-certified-recovery-residence

Laws and Regulations: https://oasas.ny.gov/legal

National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR)

Website: https://narronline.org


For more information about operating a recovery residence in New York:


Conclusion

New York’s evolving certification landscape offers recovery residence operators multiple pathways to demonstrate quality. NYSARR certification provides national recognition through NARR, while OASAS certification offers state-level compliance. Many successful operators pursue both to maximize opportunities.

Ready to streamline your certification process? Sober Living App provides the tools you need to manage residents, track compliance, and maintain the documentation required for NYSARR and OASAS certification.

Last Updated: January 22, 2026

Meet NARR standards with ease

Sober Living App aligns with NARR best practices to help you achieve and maintain quality certification.

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