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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.