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.
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:
- About New York State Alliance of Recovery Residences (NYSARR)
- New York’s Dual Certification System
- NARR Certification Levels
- How to Get NYSARR Certified
- OASAS State Certification
- Benefits of Certification
- Compliance and Best Practices
- 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:
- NYSARR Certification - Based on NARR national standards
- 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
- Maintain current NYSARR certification
- Consider OASAS certification if applicable
- Train staff on NARR Code of Ethics
- Keep policies and procedures updated
- Maintain accurate resident records
- Conduct regular safety inspections
- Implement resident feedback systems
- Stay current on NY regulatory changes
- Prepare for annual recertification
- 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
Related Resources
For more information about operating a recovery residence in New York:
- NARR Regulations and Updates for New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois Sober Living Homes
- Opioid Settlement Funding Updates for Montana, Colorado, Arizona, New York, Missouri, and Vermont
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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