FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CERTIFICATION
What does it mean to be an ORH Associate?
An ORH Associate is an organization that has at least one property that is certified to meet national quality standards and is in good standing with ORH.
Why should I apply to have my properties certified?
There are several benefits of being an Associate. These include
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Listing on the ORH Housing Locator
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Ability to market your house as ORH certified
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Discounted rate to attend the Ohio Recovery Housing Annual Conference
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Access to Associates only events and updates
Additionally, as an associate you will be a part of a growing statewide and national network of recovery housing operators seeking to demonstrate quality. As a network, we are able to educate and inform national, state and local leaders of the need for and importance of recovery housing and its role in the continuum of care for people with substance use disorders.
How long does the application process take?
The review process is designed to take less than three months. However, it is not possible for us to predict exactly how long the application process will take.
The following factors impact how long the process will take.
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How prepared your organization is to participate in the review
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How responsive you are to ORH questions and recommendations
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The availability of peer reviewers and ORH staff to perform the on-site review
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The schedule of the ORH executive committee
We recommend that you apply for certification at least three months prior to when you wish to be certified.
If you have a specific date that you wish to be certified by, please let ORH staff know. We will do our best to work with you.
Do I have to be currently operating housing to be an Associate?
No. We offer both full certification and preliminary certification. In order to be eligible for full certification all houses are required to have 60% occupancy for 60 days prior to the on-site review.
To be eligible for preliminary certification your housing needs to be ready to start accepting residents into the program. All policies and procedures must be complete and the house needs to be presented as if a resident is moving in that day.
We also support potential operators of recovery housing in other ways. You may contact us for brief advice and support, attend trainings and conferences to learn more about recovery housing, or be connected to a current Associate for guidance on a particular topic.
Do I have to have all of my properties certified by ORH?
Starting January 1, 2023 all ORH Associate organizations must be working in good faith to have all of their recovery housing properties certified. Organizations can not choose to have one property meet the standards and allow other properties to not meet the quality standards.
If you have a recovery home that is currently open and operating as a recovery home, it must be included in your application for certification. ORH will allow consideration and time for properties that are working in good faith to meet the quality standards. Therefore, any uncertified properties must be disclosed as well as a plan of action to have the property meet standards in the future.
When are fees due?
Associate fees are due prior to the on-site review once it is determined that your application is complete, you have turned in all documents, and that your policies contain all required elements.
If your organization chooses to pay Associate fees in two annual payments, your second annual payment is due one-year after your first payment. This payment is due regardless of your official ORH certification date.
If you do not submit your fees payment on time your certification will lapse.
Do residents need to be present during the on-site review?
No. Residents do not need to be present during the on-site review.
Are there templates of the required written policies?
OhioMHAS and ORH have produced a Recovery Housing Development Guidebook. This guidebook contains information, resources and templates that can be helpful to you. You may download the guidebook below.
You are also welcome to contact ORH for individualized technical assistance and support.
What is the National Alliance of Recovery Residences (NARR)?
The National Alliance of Recovery Residences (NARR) is a national organization that develops and maintains national quality standards. There mission is to support persons in recovery from addiction by improving their access to quality recovery residences through standards, support services, placement, education, research and advocacy
Ohio Recovery Housing is the state affiliate to the National Alliance of Recovery Residences. When your organization seeks certification with ORH, your organization is certified to meet the national quality standards as set by NARR.
Is there a separate standard for Ohio that is different than the National Standards set by NARR?
No.
There is one national standard. As the state affiliate, Ohio Recovery Housing is responsible for developing and maintaining a process that verifies that certified organizations meet the national quality standards. Ohio Recovery Housing has flexibility in development of that process and can tailor it to meet the particular circumstances and needs of Ohio.
All organizations that are certified by ORH are certified to meet the national quality standards.
What happens if my application with ORH has lapsed?
If your application lapses you will not be considered an active applicant for ORH. If you wish to reengage in the certification process you must start the application process from the beginning. If your application is over a year old, this will mean another payment of Associate fees. Your second annual payment will remain due one-year after your initial payment.
Associate fees are non-refundable.
Please request assistance from ORH prior to submitting an application for paying fees.
What if I disagree with Ohio Recovery Housing?
If at any point you disagree with Ohio Recovery Housing, you may file an appeal. Examples of decisions you may appeal include:
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Your application lapses
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Your application was denied
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Your request for an extension was denied
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You were asked to engage in a quality improvement activity that you do not feel is needed to meet the quality standard.
All appeals must be submitted in writing and be made within 60 days of the decision or action. Late appeals will not be considered. You may submit your appeal to info@ohiorecoveryhousing.org or to
Ohio Recovery Housing Board of Directors
17 S High Street
Suite 799
Columbus, OH 43215
Include with your appeal
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The decision or action you are seeking to appeal
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Any attachments or evidence that you would like considered
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Your name, email address and phone number
All appeals are considered by the full board of directors. A member of the Ohio Recovery Housing Board may contact you to ask you additional questions about your appeal.
The Board will consider your appeal at the next full board meeting. Full board meetings occur six times per year. A quorum of board members must be present in order to make a decision on your appeal. All decisions of the Board of Directors are final.
You may also contact the National Alliance of Recovery Residences (NARR). Ohio Recovery Housing has been designated by NARR to implement a quality review process in accordance with standards and expectations of NARR. Any operator may contact NARR with a concern about Ohio Recovery Housing. You may contact NARR at anytime. NARR recommends that you file an appeal and complete the appeal process prior to contacting NARR. However, you are able to contact NARR at anytime with your concerns.