Oregon NARR State Affiliate (MHACBO) | Complete Guide

Introduction: What is MHACBO?

The Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO) is the official state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) in Oregon. Founded in 1977 (originally as ACCBO), MHACBO has a long history of certifying behavioral health professionals and now extends that expertise to recovery residence accreditation.

As Oregon’s NARR affiliate, MHACBO administers the accreditation process for recovery residences statewide, ensuring that homes meet nationally recognized standards covering safety, governance, recovery supports, and good neighbor policies. Currently, 36 U.S. states utilize NARR accreditation standards, and Oregon is among them through MHACBO’s oversight.

About MHACBO

Mission Statement

MHACBO’s mission is to certify behavioral health professionals and recovery residences through competency-based evaluation, ensuring high standards of care and support throughout Oregon’s recovery community.

History

• 1977: Founded as the Addiction Counselor Certification Board of Oregon (ACCBO)
• Present: Expanded to include recovery residence accreditation as MHACBO
• NARR Affiliation: Designated as Oregon’s official NARR affiliate

Key Functions

• Professional Certification: Certifying behavioral health counselors and peer support specialists
• Recovery Residence Accreditation: Administering NARR-based accreditation for recovery homes
• Standards Enforcement: Ensuring compliance with NARR 3.0 standards
• Ethics Oversight: Maintaining code of ethics for both professionals and residences
• Education: Providing training and resources for the recovery community

For more information, visit the official MHACBO website or their NARR certification page.

NARR Accreditation Levels

MHACBO accreditation follows NARR’s four-level system. When applying, you must select the level of accreditation appropriate for your residence (I-IV):

Level I - Peer-Run

• Democratically self-governed homes
• No paid staff on-site
• Residents share all responsibilities
• Peer accountability and support
• Minimal external structure

Level II - Monitored

• House manager provides oversight
• Peer-led environment with defined rules
• Regular house meetings
• Residents participate in recovery activities
• Most common level for sober living homes

Level III - Supervised

• Paid staff provides on-site supervision
• Structured programming and support services
• Life skills training and accountability measures
• Professional management oversight

Level IV - Service Provider

• Licensed clinical treatment component
• Professional clinical staff on-site
• Highest level of structure and support
• Integration with formal treatment services

How to Get Accredited in Oregon

Step 1: Review NARR 3.0 Standards

Before applying, thoroughly review the requirements. MHACBO accreditation aligns with NARR 3.0 standards covering:

• Safety: Physical environment, fire safety, building codes
• Governance: Organizational structure, policies, financial management
• Recovery Supports: Peer support, recovery activities, relapse policies
• Good Neighbor Policies: Community relations, noise, parking

Step 2: Determine Your Accreditation Level

Assess your residence to determine which NARR level best fits your operations:

• Staffing model (peer-run vs. staffed)
• Services offered
• Structure and programming
• Clinical components (if any)

Step 3: Gather Required Documentation

Prepare comprehensive documentation including:

• Organizational policies and procedures
• Resident agreements and house rules
• Emergency response protocols
• Fire safety and building inspection certificates
• Insurance documentation
• Financial management procedures

Step 4: Submit Application to MHACBO

Complete the MHACBO NARR accreditation application:

• Access application through MHACBO’s NARR page
• Submit all required documentation
• Pay applicable fees

Step 5: Complete On-Site Inspection

MHACBO representatives conduct on-site inspections to verify:

• Physical safety and cleanliness
• Compliance with fire and building codes
• Recovery-supportive environment
• Documentation accuracy
• Operational practices match policies

Step 6: Receive Accreditation and Maintain Compliance

Upon successful review:

• Accreditation granted for your designated level
• Annual renewal required
• Ongoing compliance with NARR standards expected
• Regular inspections ensure continued quality

Benefits of MHACBO NARR Accreditation

For Operators

• Industry Recognition: NARR accreditation recognized by hospitals, courts, and treatment providers
• Referral Networks: Inclusion on referral lists for healthcare and legal systems
• Credibility: Demonstrates commitment to national quality standards
• Professional Development: Access to MHACBO training and resources
• Competitive Advantage: Differentiation from non-accredited homes

For Residents

• Quality Assurance: Homes meet rigorous national standards
• Safety: Verified compliance with safety and building codes
• Recovery Support: Guaranteed recovery-focused environment
• Ethical Treatment: Code of ethics protects resident rights
• Accountability: Accredited homes subject to oversight

For Healthcare Partners

• Trusted Referrals: Confidence that patients will receive quality housing
• Continuity of Care: Structured environments support treatment outcomes
• Professional Standards: Accreditation ensures ongoing compliance
• Patient Safety: Verified safety standards reduce risk

Oregon State Context

Regulatory Environment

Oregon does not currently mandate recovery residence licensing, making MHACBO NARR accreditation the primary quality assurance mechanism in the state. Accreditation provides:

• Voluntary quality certification
• Industry-recognized standards
• Pathway to referral networks

Healthcare System Integration

Healthcare providers benefit from referring patients to MHACBO-accredited homes because these facilities adhere to national standards that promote patient safety and well-being. Providers can be confident that patients will receive continued support post-treatment.

Fair Housing Considerations

MHACBO-accredited homes operate in compliance with Fair Housing Act protections, ensuring non-discriminatory practices and proper accommodation of individuals in recovery.

Code of Ethics

MHACBO maintains a comprehensive Code of Ethics for NARR-accredited residences, covering:

• Resident rights and dignity
• Confidentiality and privacy
• Professional conduct
• Financial transparency
• Conflict of interest policies
• Grievance procedures

Contact Information

Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO)

• Website: mhacbo.org
• NARR Certification: mhacbo.org/en/narr
• Accreditation Manual: MHACBO NARR Accreditation Manual (PDF)
• NARR Affiliate Page: narronline.org/affiliate/mental-health-and-addiction-certification-board-of-oregon

Managing Your MHACBO-Accredited Residence

Operating an accredited recovery residence requires careful attention to documentation, compliance tracking, and resident management. Sober Living App provides comprehensive software designed specifically for recovery residence operators, helping you:

• Track resident progress and recovery activities
• Manage drug testing schedules and documentation
• Maintain compliance records for annual accreditation reviews
• Streamline billing and rent collection
• Generate reports for MHACBO inspections

Related Resources

• Regulation Updates for NARR Recovery Residences in Louisiana, Kentucky, and Oregon
• National Alliance for Recovery Residences
• NARR Standards
• NARR Certification Process

---

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals for specific guidance related to recovery residences and accreditation requirements.

Last Updated: January 22, 2026