Oklahoma NARR State Affiliate (OKARR) | Complete Guide

Oklahoma NARR State Affiliate: Complete Guide to OKARR Certification

The Oklahoma Alliance for Recovery Resources (OKARR) serves as the official NARR state affiliate for Oklahoma, providing certification and support for recovery residences throughout the state. This comprehensive guide covers everything operators need to know about OKARR certification, requirements, and the benefits of becoming a certified recovery residence in Oklahoma.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to OKARR
2. About the Oklahoma Alliance for Recovery Resources
3. Certification Levels
4. How to Get Certified
5. Benefits of Certification
6. State Collaboration
7. Contact Information
8. Related Resources

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Introduction to OKARR

The Oklahoma Alliance for Recovery Resources (OKARR) is the official Oklahoma state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR). OKARR promotes the quality of recovery housing by offering training and resources to recovery housing providers and workforce, and certifies recovery housing that meets national best practices.

OKARR’s certification ensures that recovery residences provide safe, supportive environments that promote long-term recovery for individuals with substance use disorders.

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About the Oklahoma Alliance for Recovery Resources

Mission and Vision

OKARR’s mission is to promote quality recovery housing across Oklahoma by providing certification based on national best practices, training for operators and staff, and resources to support the recovery housing workforce.

Key Functions

• Certification: Evaluating and certifying recovery residences at Levels 2 and 3
• Training: Providing education for operators, house managers, and recovery support staff
• Resources: Offering tools and guidance for quality improvement
• Advocacy: Working with state agencies to support recovery housing policy
• Quality Assurance: Conducting inspections and reviews to maintain standards

Relationship with ODMHSAS

OKARR works closely with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) to support recovery housing initiatives. ODMHSAS credentials for peer support specialists and case managers are often required for Level 3 certification.

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Certification Levels

OKARR currently certifies recovery residences at Levels 2 and 3 only. The concept of levels originates with NARR, but each state affiliate maintains discretion in defining precise selection criteria.

Important Note: Levels are not a rating system. One level is not better than another - they are designed to meet different needs and offer different levels of support cost-effectively.

Level 2: Monitored Recovery Residence

Level 2 residences provide a structured, monitored environment with staff oversight but without clinical services.

Requirements:

• House Guidelines: Guidelines must be posted and visible to residents at all times, and followed to maintain residence
• Drug Testing: Mandatory drug testing to ensure a substance-free environment
• Recovery Support: Required group meetings and independent assistance for resident recovery
• Staff Oversight: House manager or supervisor provides structure and accountability

Best For: Individuals who need structure and accountability but do not require clinical support services

Level 3: Supervised Recovery Residence

Level 3 residences provide more intensive support with credentialed staff and connections to treatment services.

Requirements:

• House Guidelines: Guidelines must be posted and visible at all times; licensure of administrative members may be required
• Reentry Resources: Must provide resources that prepare residents for reentering society after leaving the recovery home
• Peer Support: PRSS (Peer Recovery Support Specialist) certified through ODMHSAS providing services in the home a minimum of 3 days per week
• Case Management: One of the following providing services minimum 3 days per week:
  • CM I or II certified through ODMHSAS
  • Housing Plus Endorsed staff member endorsed through ODMHSAS
• Treatment Connection: An MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with an SUD (Substance Use Disorder) Provider outside of yourself in your community
• Staff Qualifications: Staff are supervised, trained, or credentialed and are often graduates of a recovery residence

Best For: Populations who need more intense support in developing recovery capital than provided by Level 1 or Level 2 residences

Why No Level 1 or Level 4?

OKARR has determined that Levels 2 and 3 best serve Oklahoma’s recovery housing needs. Level 1 peer-run homes may operate without OKARR certification, while Level 4 homes with clinical services typically require state licensure through ODMHSAS rather than OKARR certification.

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How to Get Certified

Step 1: Determine Your Level

Review the requirements for Level 2 and Level 3 to determine which best fits your residence’s operations and the population you serve.

Step 2: Review NARR and OKARR Standards

Before applying, thoroughly review both NARR’s national quality standards and OKARR’s specific requirements. Key areas include:

• Administrative policies and procedures
• Resident rights and responsibilities
• Physical environment requirements
• Health and safety protocols
• Staff qualifications and credentialing
• Financial management practices

Step 3: Obtain Required Credentials (Level 3)

If seeking Level 3 certification, ensure you have:

• PRSS certified staff through ODMHSAS
• CM I, CM II, or Housing Plus Endorsed staff through ODMHSAS
• An executed MOU with an external SUD Provider

Step 4: Prepare Documentation

Gather all required documentation, including:

• Business registration and legal structure documents
• Insurance documentation
• Resident handbook and house guidelines
• Resident rights policies
• Non-discrimination policies
• Staff qualifications and credentials
• Drug testing policies and procedures
• Emergency response procedures
• MOU with SUD Provider (Level 3)

Step 5: Submit Application

Complete and submit the OKARR certification application through their official website. The application requires detailed information about your residence’s:

• Governance structure
• Operational policies
• Staff qualifications and credentials
• Physical environment
• Resident services
• Financial practices

Step 6: Application Review

Upon submission, OKARR reviews and evaluates your application to determine whether it meets NARR’s and OKARR’s standards.

Strength-Based Process: NARR certification is a strength-based process, meaning you will have access to educational resources and the ability to update information within a reasonable time period if a Reviewer determines that you do not meet a standard.

Step 7: On-Site Inspection

OKARR conducts regular on-site inspections to verify compliance with safety standards. Inspectors evaluate:

• Physical condition and safety of the residence
• Documentation and record-keeping practices
• Staff knowledge and credentials
• Resident environment quality
• Compliance with OKARR standards

Step 8: Certification Decision

After review, OKARR issues a certification decision. If issues are identified, you have the opportunity to address them and resubmit.

Step 9: Annual Renewal

Certified homes must undergo yearly inspections to maintain their certification status. This ensures ongoing compliance with quality standards.

Variance and Grievance Rights

Applicants have important rights during the certification process:

• Variance Request: Right to submit a variance (exception) to a standard if circumstances warrant
• Grievance Process: Right to submit a grievance against the Reviewer or OKARR if you believe the review was unfair

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Benefits of Certification

Credibility and Trust

OKARR certification signals to residents, families, and referral sources that your recovery residence meets nationally recognized quality standards. This builds trust and differentiates your home from non-certified facilities.

Referral Network Access

Certified homes gain access to referral networks from:

• Treatment centers
• ODMHSAS programs
• Courts and probation departments
• Healthcare providers
• Social service agencies

State Recognition

Working with ODMHSAS through OKARR certification can open doors to:

• State funding opportunities
• Referrals from state programs
• Recognition as a quality provider
• Participation in state recovery housing initiatives

Training and Resources

OKARR provides ongoing education and support for certified operators:

• Training programs for operators and staff
• Resources for quality improvement
• Educational materials
• Networking opportunities

Quality Improvement Framework

The certification process provides a structured framework for continuous improvement, helping operators deliver better outcomes for residents.

Access to Credentialed Staff

Through the certification process, operators connect with ODMHSAS credentialing pathways for:

• Peer Recovery Support Specialists (PRSS)
• Case Managers (CM I, CM II)
• Housing Plus Endorsed staff

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State Collaboration

ODMHSAS Partnership

OKARR works closely with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) to ensure recovery housing aligns with state behavioral health initiatives. This partnership provides:

• Credentialing pathways for recovery housing staff
• Connection to state recovery support services
• Alignment with state quality standards
• Access to state resources and funding

Recovery Housing Landscape

Oklahoma has made significant investments in recovery housing as part of its broader behavioral health strategy. OKARR certification positions operators to participate in state-supported recovery housing initiatives.

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Contact Information

Oklahoma Alliance for Recovery Resources (OKARR)

• Website: https://www.okarr.org
• Certification Information: https://okarr.org/certification/recovery-residence-certification/
• Recovery Housing Levels: https://okarr.org/levels/
• For Operators: https://okarr.org/operators/

Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS)

• Recovery-Based Housing: https://oklahoma.gov/odmhsas/recovery/housing/recovery-based-housing.html

National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR)

• Website: https://narronline.org
• OKARR Affiliate Page: https://narronline.org/affiliate/oklahoma-alliance-for-recovery-resources/

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Streamline Your Operations with Sober Living App

Managing a certified recovery residence in Oklahoma requires tracking compliance requirements, staff credentials, and operational details. Sober Living App provides purpose-built software for recovery housing operators, helping you:

• Track Certification Requirements: Stay organized with compliance documentation and inspection schedules
• Manage Resident Records: Securely store resident information, agreements, and progress notes
• Document Staff Credentials: Track ODMHSAS certifications and credential renewals
• Streamline Billing: Automate rent collection and financial tracking
• Generate Reports: Create reports for OKARR inspections and annual renewals
• Coordinate Drug Testing: Track and schedule mandatory drug testing with ease

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Related Resources

Looking for more information about operating a recovery residence in Oklahoma? Check out these related articles:

• What You Need to Know Before Opening a Sober Living Home in Oklahoma
• NARR Affiliate News for Sober Living Homes in Oklahoma, Connecticut, and Utah

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Last Updated: January 22, 2026

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Requirements may change. Please verify current information with OKARR and ODMHSAS.