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Ohio Recovery Housing Overhaul: New Standards and Certification Requirements Reshape Sober Living Spaces

Client Alert
May 30, 2024

For years, the State of Ohio lacked uniformity over the operation of “recovery houses” — sometimes referred to as “sober living” spaces, “halfway houses,” and so on. Ohio law broadly defines these as residences “for individuals recovering from alcohol use disorder or drug addiction that provide an alcohol-free and drug-free living environment, peer support, assistance with obtaining alcohol and drug addiction services, and other recovery assistance for alcohol use disorder and drug addiction.” See R.C. 5199.01(A)(17). 

Operators could, for example, voluntarily obtain certification through the Ohio-certifying body or, alternatively, elect to run their recovery residence(s) with no oversight and/or certification — in turn, creating a statewide system of residential recovery spaces that provided inconsistent functions and standards. That system, however, is in the midst of a complete overhaul. 

Now, “recovery houses” (and all other similarly named residential recovery spaces) have statutory standards to satisfy pre-operation — a process which is a considerable undertaking. 

One new measure requires all existing recovery housing residences, as well as those intending to operate in the future, to register with the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (OHMHAS). Under Ohio law, existing operators were required to register on or before October 3, 2023; however, the form remains open for late filings and updates as necessary. Newly established recovery housing residences have a grace period of thirty (30) days from the start of their operation (i.e., the date on which the first resident occupies the residence) to complete the OHMHAS registration form. 

In addition to the OHMHAS registration requirement, effective January 1, 2025, the State of Ohio will begin enforcing new requirements which bar individuals and/or entities from operating, advertising, or even representing any residence as a “recovery housing residence, sober living home, or any other alcohol and drug free housing for persons recovering from alcohol use disorder” or substance use disorder without taking the appropriate certification steps through, without limitation, Ohio Recovery Housing or Oxford House, Inc. See R.C. 5119.39.

Certification is a substantial process — requiring, among other things, policies and procedures governing residents’ rights and responsibilities; a resident agreement and legally compliant leasing arrangement; and completion of, and compliance with, a checklist of pre-operation deliverables. 

The range of requirements as applied to the individual circumstances of each recovery housing operator can make identifying priorities and achieving compliance incredibly complex. For more information or for assistance navigating and completing the recovery housing registration and/or certification processes, please contact Monica Andress at (330) 253-9153 or mbandress@bmdllc.com.

Monica AndressOhio Recovery HousingOhio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
Client Alert

Ohio Board of Nursing Proposes Rule Changes for Nurses

January 14, 2026On Monday, January 12, 2026, the Ohio Board of Nursing (“BON”) released a package of proposed changes to the Ohio Administrative Code. There are two proposed changes to continuing education requirements that Ohio nurses should be watching.Client Alert

New Florida Law: Patient Overpayments Must Be Refunded Within 30 Days

December 22, 2025Effective January 1, 2026, Florida Senate Bill 1808 requires health care facilities and practitioners to refund patient overpayments within 30 days after an overpayment is identified. The law applies to overpayments tied to claims submitted to government programs or private insurers and introduces fines and disciplinary consequences for noncompliance. Providers should review billing and payment practices now to prepare for the new requirements.Client Alert

USCIS Policy Change Impacting Work Authorization: Advisory for Employers and Human Resources

December 8, 2025USCIS has issued a policy memorandum pausing immigration benefit processing for individuals from 19 high-risk countries and requiring a re-review of certain previously approved cases. This change may affect work authorization, employment verification, and workforce stability. Employers and HR teams should review impacted employees and update compliance procedures.Client Alert

CMS Releases CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule with Key Payment and Telehealth Updates

December 4, 2025CMS issued the CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule on October 31, 2025, with changes effective January 1, 2026. The Final Rule includes increases to the conversion factor, a new efficiency adjustment, updates to practice expense methodology, permanent telehealth policy changes, revised payment for skin substitutes, expanded rules for Part B drugs and biologicals, enhanced policies for Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers, and new care management and behavioral health services.Client Alert

Ohio Department of Medicaid Updates: Key Changes to Physician Reimbursement Rates in Early Parenthood

December 3, 2025The Ohio Department of Medicaid has proposed amending Ohio Administrative Code Rule related to covered Medicaid reimbursements for physicians. Beginning on January 1, 2026, they are proposing an increase to rates for prenatal care, childbirth, and infant care and provider visits.
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