Pennsylvania NARR State Affiliate (PARR) | Complete Guide

Pennsylvania NARR State Affiliate: A Complete Guide to PARR Certification

Introduction

The Pennsylvania Alliance of Recovery Residences (PARR) was founded in 2011 out of the need to evaluate and monitor standards-based recovery support services provided in community-based, residential settings throughout Pennsylvania. As an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the official Pennsylvania affiliate of NARR, PARR plays a crucial role in certifying and supporting quality recovery residences across the state.

Value Proposition: This comprehensive guide provides recovery residence operators with everything needed to understand PARR certification requirements, navigate the consultative certification process, and prepare for Pennsylvania’s state licensing requirements.

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Table of Contents:

1. About Pennsylvania Alliance of Recovery Residences (PARR)
2. NARR Certification Levels
3. How to Get Certified
4. Pennsylvania State Licensing
5. Benefits of PARR 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 Pennsylvania Alliance of Recovery Residences (PARR)

History and Mission

Founded in 2011, PARR emerged from the need to establish quality standards for recovery residences in Pennsylvania. The organization provides:

• Certification based on NARR national standards
• Education and training for operators
• Advocacy for recovery housing interests
• Support for quality improvement initiatives

Consultative Approach

PARR takes a consultative approach to certification, working with operators to help them meet standards rather than simply pass or fail evaluations. This supportive process helps operators continuously improve their services.

Scope of Operations

PARR certifies recovery residences throughout Pennsylvania, ensuring homes meet standards for:

• Resident safety and rights
• Recovery-supportive environments
• Ethical business practices
• Quality operational procedures

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NARR Certification Levels

PARR certifies recovery residences at NARR Levels I through IV, with most sober living homes falling into Level I or Level II.

Level I: Peer-Run Recovery Residences

• Democratically run by residents
• No paid staff on-site
• Peer-based support and accountability
• Resident-managed operations
• Most affordable option

Level II: Monitored Recovery Residences

• Supervised homes with a house manager
• Regular monitoring of activities
• Structured house rules
• Connection to recovery services
• Drug testing protocols

Level III: Supervised Recovery Residences

• Structured programs with paid staff
• Service coordination included
• 24/7 support available
• Higher level of accountability
• Comprehensive programming

Level IV: Service Provider Recovery Residences

• Licensed treatment facility standards
• Clinical and administrative supervision
• Credentialed staff required
• Intensive support services
• Less common for PARR-only certification

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How to Get Certified with PARR

Understanding the Process

Certification with PARR is a consultative process. It begins with a thorough review of the PARR Standard by the prospective applicant. PARR works alongside operators to help them achieve compliance with national standards.

Step 1: Review Standards

Before applying:

• Study the PARR Standard and NARR Standard 3.0
• Assess your current operations against requirements
• Identify areas needing improvement
• Develop compliant policies and procedures

Step 2: Submit Application

Apply online through PARR’s website:

• Complete the application form
• Pay associated fees
• Submit required documentation
• Provide organizational information

Step 3: Document Review

PARR conducts a thorough review of:

• Policies and procedures
• Governance structure
• Resident rights documentation
• Safety protocols
• Staff qualifications

Step 4: On-Site Inspection

PARR requires unrestricted access to:

• Interview management, staff, and residents
• Verify policies are implemented in practice
• Assess compliance with NARR Standard domains
• Evaluate recovery-supportive environment

Field staff assess compliance to ensure the residence offers safe, dignified, alcohol and drug-free, recovery-supportive housing that blends into the surrounding community.

Step 5: Training Requirements

PARR has developed educational and training content available online to all owners, managers, and staff of PARR Certified Residences:

• Completion by owner/officers is mandatory
• Training must be completed within 120 days of notification
• Nominal registration fees may apply
• Ongoing education requirements for maintenance

Step 6: Certification Issuance

Upon completion of compliance review and training:

• PARR issues a Certificate of Compliance
• Staff must complete the recovery housing module
• Post “Resident Rights & Responsibilities” in each location
• Share Ethics Standards with all staff

Ongoing Requirements

• Annual Inspections: All residences are inspected annually
• Audit Inspections: Random audits throughout the year without advance notice
• Grievance Process: Embed link to PARR Grievance form on website

Change of Ownership

Important: PARR certification does not transfer with ownership. If ownership changes:

• Notify PARR of the transfer date
• New ownership requires re-certification
• Certification is granted to specific operator/owner

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Pennsylvania State Licensing

Understanding the Dual System

In Pennsylvania, state licensing is now required for recovery residences, separate from PARR certification. The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) regulates licensing under Act 59 of 2017.

Who Needs Licensing?

Licensing is mandatory for any recovery residence that:

• Receives state or county referrals
• Accepts government funding
• Participates in certain programs

How PARR Certification Helps

PARR-certified residences are better prepared for state licensing because they already meet most requirements. PARR provides:

• Hand-holding through the licensing process
• Checklists for compliance
• Training and support
• Guidance on meeting DDAP requirements

Dual Certification Benefits

Many operators pursue both PARR certification and state licensing to:

• Maximize funding opportunities
• Access broader referral networks
• Demonstrate comprehensive compliance
• Build trust with all stakeholders

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Benefits of PARR Certification

Credibility and Recognition

• National recognition through NARR affiliation
• Demonstrates commitment to quality
• Distinguishes from non-certified facilities
• Builds trust with referral sources

Operational Excellence

• Clear guidelines for quality programs
• Access to training resources
• Consultative support from PARR
• Continuous improvement framework

Referral Network Access

• Healthcare providers prefer certified homes
• Treatment centers seek certified partners
• Courts recognize PARR certification
• Insurance companies value certification

Licensing Preparation

• Meets most state licensing requirements
• PARR support through licensing process
• Reduced time to licensing approval
• Comprehensive compliance foundation

Resident Outcomes

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

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Compliance and Best Practices

Key Compliance Areas

Resident Rights

• Post rights and responsibilities in each location
• Ensure residents understand their rights
• Implement fair grievance procedures
• Protect resident dignity and privacy

Safety Standards

• Meet fire safety requirements
• Maintain adequate safety equipment
• Develop emergency response plans
• Conduct regular safety inspections

Ethical Practices

• Share Ethics Standards with all staff
• Implement ethical business practices
• Maintain transparent operations
• Avoid conflicts of interest

Documentation

• Keep accurate resident records
• Document all policies and procedures
• Maintain training records
• Prepare for annual inspections

10-Point Compliance Checklist

1. Maintain current PARR certification
2. Complete all required training within timelines
3. Post Resident Rights & Responsibilities prominently
4. Embed PARR Grievance form link on website
5. Prepare for annual and audit inspections
6. Keep policies and procedures updated
7. Train all staff on ethical standards
8. Maintain resident confidentiality
9. Document compliance activities
10. Pursue state licensing if accepting referrals/funding

Using Technology for Compliance

Sober Living App helps Pennsylvania recovery residences:

• Track resident information securely
• Manage drug testing schedules
• Document meetings and activities
• Generate reports for inspections
• Maintain organized compliance records

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Contact Information and Resources

Pennsylvania Alliance of Recovery Residences (PARR)

Website: https://www.parronline.org

Application Process: https://www.parronline.org/application-process

Standards: https://www.parronline.org/standards

Membership: https://www.parronline.org/membership

About PARR: https://www.parronline.org/about-us

NARR Affiliate Page

https://narronline.org/affiliate/pennsylvania-association-of-recovery-residences/

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 Pennsylvania:

• How to Open a Sober Living Home Business in Pennsylvania
• NARR Regulations and Updates for New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois Sober Living Homes

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Conclusion

PARR certification provides Pennsylvania recovery residence operators with a consultative pathway to meeting national quality standards. Combined with state licensing requirements, PARR certification positions your residence for success in Pennsylvania’s recovery housing landscape.

Ready to streamline your operations? Sober Living App provides the tools you need to manage residents, track compliance, and maintain the documentation required for PARR certification and state licensing.

Last Updated: January 22, 2026