Ohio NARR State Affiliate (ORH) | Complete Guide

Ohio NARR State Affiliate: A Complete Guide to ORH Certification

Introduction

Ohio Recovery Housing (ORH) is the official NARR affiliate for Ohio, and as of January 1, 2025, certification has become essential for any recovery residence operating in the state. ORH maintains a rigorous review process ensuring all certified recovery homes meet the standards established by the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR).

Value Proposition: This comprehensive guide provides recovery residence operators with critical information about Ohio’s certification requirements, the application process, and why certification is now mandatory for receiving referrals and funding in Ohio.

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Table of Contents:

1. About Ohio Recovery Housing (ORH)
2. Why Certification is Essential in Ohio (2025 Update)
3. NARR Certification Levels
4. How to Get Certified
5. Benefits of ORH Certification
6. Compliance and Best Practices
7. Contact Information and Resources

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

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About Ohio Recovery Housing (ORH)

The Only Ohio NARR Affiliate

Ohio Recovery Housing (ORH) is the only Ohio affiliate of the National Alliance of Recovery Residences (NARR). As such, ORH maintains a review process that ensures all recovery homes it certifies meet the standards established by NARR. While NARR sets the quality standards, ORH determines how these standards are measured and applied in Ohio.

Mission and Purpose

ORH serves to:

• Certify recovery residences meeting NARR standards
• Maintain Ohio’s registry of certified recovery housing
• Provide education and training for operators
• Support the recovery housing community statewide
• Ensure residents have access to quality recovery environments

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Why Certification is Essential in Ohio (2025 Update)

Critical Regulatory Changes

As of January 1, 2025, all recovery homes in Ohio must be appropriately certified to be listed on the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (OhioDBH) registry of recovery housing residences.

What This Means for Operators

Only certified homes may:

• Advertise as “sober living” or “recovery housing”
• Receive referrals from treatment centers, hospitals, and courts
• Access funding designated for recovery housing
• Be listed in the state registry
• Receive rent subsidies and opioid settlement grants

In short, certification is now a must for any recovery residence that wants to participate in Ohio’s recovery housing system.

Alternative Certification Pathway

Ohio recognizes two primary certification pathways:

1. Ohio Recovery Housing (ORH) - Certifies Levels 1-3
2. Oxford House, Inc. - Charters peer-run Level 1 homes that operate democratically and are financially self-supporting

An Oxford charter is accepted as certification under Ohio law.

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NARR Certification Levels

ORH certifies recovery residences at NARR Levels I, II, and III. Level IV homes must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS).

Level I: Peer-Run Recovery Residences

• Resident-operated homes
• Democratic governance structure
• No paid staff required
• Peer accountability and support
• Most affordable housing option

Level II: Monitored Recovery Residences

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

Level III: Supervised Recovery Residences

• 24/7 paid staff presence
• Intensive oversight and structure
• Coordinated recovery services
• Higher accountability standards
• Programming and case management

Level IV: Service Provider Recovery Residences

• Licensed by OhioMHAS
• Clinical services integrated
• Credentialed staff required
• Intensive support services
• Not certified through ORH

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How to Get Certified with ORH

Eligibility Requirements

Before applying for full certification, homes must have been:

• Open and operating for at least 60 days
• At 60% occupancy during that period

New homes that do not meet this requirement can apply for Preliminary Certification.

Step 1: Prepare Documentation

Gather required documentation including:

• Organizational policies and procedures
• Resident agreements and house rules
• NARR Code of Ethics (signed by all staff)
• Zoning compliance documentation
• Fire code compliance verification
• Insurance coverage proof
• Signed, notarized Assurances Statement

Step 2: Submit Application

Apply through ORH’s online portal (RHOADS system):

• Complete all required fields
• Upload supporting documentation
• Pay applicable fees
• Submit for review

Step 3: Document Review

• ORH staff will respond within 15 business days
• You will receive a list of recommended improvements
• Address any deficiencies identified

Step 4: Site Visit

ORH conducts an on-site inspection to verify:

• Physical facility compliance
• Operational practices match policies
• Resident safety and wellness
• Recovery-supportive environment

Step 5: Post-Visit Corrections

• ORH provides a post-visit report
• You have 20 business days to address outstanding issues
• Submit evidence of corrections made

Step 6: Certification Decision

Once all standards are met:

• ORH’s Executive Committee votes to approve certification
• Full certification lasts two years
• Preliminary certifications are valid for six months with a second site visit required

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Benefits of ORH Certification

Legal Compliance

• Meet state requirements for operating in Ohio
• Qualify for the OhioDBH registry
• Legally advertise as recovery housing

Access to Funding

• Opioid settlement funding eligibility
• Rent subsidy program access
• State and county funding opportunities
• Grant program eligibility

Referral Networks

• Receive referrals from treatment centers
• Partner with hospitals and healthcare providers
• Qualify for court and probation referrals
• Connect with insurance networks

Operational Support

• Access to ORH training resources
• Connection to certified operator network
• Guidance on compliance questions
• Support for maintaining standards

Resident Trust

• Demonstrate commitment to quality
• Build credibility with families
• Enhance reputation in the community
• Attract quality residents

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Compliance and Best Practices

ORH Measures and Standards

ORH utilizes specific measures to assess compliance with NARR standards across key domains:

• Administrative and fiscal management
• Resident rights and responsibilities
• Health, safety, and wellness
• Recovery support and programming
• Ethical practices and community relations

Training Requirements

All staff interacting with residents must:

• Read and sign the NARR Code of Ethics
• Complete ORH-required training modules
• Understand confidentiality requirements
• Demonstrate competency in recovery support

Ongoing Compliance

Maintain certification through:

• Biennial re-certification process
• Responding to any complaints or audits
• Continuous quality improvement
• Regular staff training updates

10-Point Compliance Checklist

1. Maintain current ORH/NARR certification
2. Ensure all staff sign NARR Code of Ethics
3. Keep documentation organized and accessible
4. Conduct regular safety inspections
5. Maintain accurate resident records
6. Stay current on Ohio regulatory changes
7. Implement resident feedback systems
8. Train staff on confidentiality requirements
9. Review and update policies annually
10. Prepare for re-certification well in advance

Using Technology for Compliance

Sober Living App helps Ohio recovery residences:

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

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Contact Information and Resources

Ohio Recovery Housing (ORH)

Website: https://www.ohiorecoveryhousing.org

Certification Information: https://www.ohiorecoveryhousing.org/applying-for-certification

Preliminary Certification: https://www.ohiorecoveryhousing.org/copy-of-applying-for-certification

Training/LMS: https://edu.ohiorecoveryhousing.org

FAQs: https://www.ohiorecoveryhousing.org/faqs

NARR Affiliate Page

https://narronline.org/affiliate/ohio-recovery-housing/

National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR)

Website: https://narronline.org

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Related Resources

For more information about operating a recovery residence in Ohio:

• How to Open a Sober Living Home in Ohio
• Sober Living Homes in Ohio Get More Support and Funding from Lawmakers

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Conclusion

With Ohio’s 2025 certification requirements now in effect, ORH certification is essential for any recovery residence operating in the state. Certification ensures your home can receive referrals, access funding, and legally operate as recovery housing in Ohio.

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 ORH certification.

Last Updated: January 22, 2026