DeWine orders new statewide oversight of Ohio recovery houses

Ohio is tightening oversight of recovery housing as the number of homes operating across the state continues to grow rapidly.

Governor Mike DeWine signed an executive order giving the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health authority to create a statewide certification program for recovery housing operators.

Recovery houses provide substance-free living environments for people working toward long-term recovery. According to the governor’s office, Ohio had 356 recovery houses in 2022. Today, that number has grown to more than 1,700.

State officials say that growth has also brought concerns about uncertified homes, poor living conditions and the potential for fraud, waste and abuse, particularly in southern Ohio.

Under the new rules, the Department of Behavioral Health will oversee certification statewide, establish consistent standards and have authority to receive complaints, investigate problems and enforce compliance. Suspected fraud could also be referred directly to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

DeWine said the goal is to protect people in recovery while making sure providers receiving public trust and resources are held accountable.

The department plans to work with recovery housing operators, local behavioral health agencies and county ADAMH boards as the new system is implemented.