How to Certify a Sober House in Massachusetts: A Practical Guide for Operators

While not mandated by drug addiction state law, obtaining appropriate coverage mitigates risks. General liability insurance covers bodily injury or property damage claims, while professional liability insurance protects against claims of negligence or inadequate care. As of July 2024, the total cost for certification is $425, which includes the application and inspection.

State Certification for Sober Living Homes in Massachusetts is Optional – But There’s a Catch

This guide offers an overview of key aspects related to maintaining standards within these establishments. Carefully read the MASH Certification Standards and Massachusetts Sober Home Law. The purpose of this half day compressed session, is to introduce new and existing supervisors to the health & safety program.

Review the Sober House Levels of Support

Ideal properties are close to public transportation, employment opportunities, recovery meetings, and medical or outpatient care. Homes should offer sufficient common areas and align with neighborhood character, following MASH standards for safety and functionality. In Massachusetts, certification is voluntary but essential for visibility and referrals.

There’s still two paths to certification for sober living homes in Indiana: DMHA and IARR

There is also a state certification program administered by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction. Both certifications in Indiana remain optional, with little movement to make either mandatory. However, in 2017, a law was passed that made state certification a requirement for sober living homes interested in receiving state and/or federal funding. Forgoing state certification puts Medicaid dollars and any state or federal level grant programs out of reach for non-certified homes. Massachusetts sober living homes have had the option to gain state certification since 2016.

Why MASH Certification Matters

• Thank you for your interest in joining Minnesota’s certified recovery housing network.
• MASH is an affiliate of NARR and used these standards to create Massachusetts standards for certified sober homes.
• MASH-certified sober homes must follow detailed standards covering resident rights, governance, safety, inspections, and operations.
• You will engage in hands-on training sessions that not only increase your own athletic abilities but also prepare you to educate others effectively.
• This relationship ensures that Minnesota’s recovery home standards align with NARR’s Quality Standards v3.0, adopted widely across the United States.

Through our network of certified sober housing and empirically based recovery principles, MASH’s goal is to help create and foster these safe living environments for those with substance use disorders. MASH was formed in 2007 when a group of sober home operators recognized the need for consistent standards and greater accountability within the sober housing community. The MASH certification process is designed for recovery residence program operators who are currently operating recovery mash housing housing programs in MN. A recovery residence is a type of community residence that provides a safe, healthy, family-like, substance-free living environment that supports individuals in recovery from substance use disorder. Through our network of certified sober housing and empirically-based recovery principles, MASH’s goal is to help create and foster safe living environments for those with substance use disorders. Vanderburgh Sober Living (VSL) is a network of independently operated sober homes organized and supported by the Vanderburgh Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 Charitable Foundation.

Best Practices for Massachusetts NARR State Affiliate

The list shall also be posted on the website established pursuant to section 18. (b) The bureau shall establish and provide for the administration of a voluntary training and accreditation program for operators of alcohol and drug free housing seeking certification under subsection (d). In July 2014, Bill H.1828 was passed into law mandating the monitoring and voluntary certification of MA Sober Homes.

The Bak Realty v. Fitchburg (2025) ruling affirmed that sober living homes are protected under anti-discrimination provisions but must still navigate local zoning case-by-case. Under M.G.L. c.17 §18A, Massachusetts formally defines Alcohol- and Drug-Free housing and establishes the state’s voluntary accreditation process. The law restricts state referrals to certified homes, reinforcing certification as a best practice for safety and accountability. When you commit to certifying a sober house in Minnesota with the Minnesota Association of Sober Homes (MASH), you can lean on expert support instead of guessing alone. Reach out to VSL today to review your plans, tighten your documentation, and get practical help on your next steps.

According to the Department of Public Health, approximately 2,125 residents died from opioid-related overdoses in 2023, marking a 10% decline from the previous year. While this reduction is encouraging, disparities remain—Black non-Hispanic men experienced an increase in overdose deaths, from 80.0 to 84.6 per 100,000. The SLED is designed to shield the end of all permanent and temporary portable barrier shapes including concrete, steel and plastic.

The application fee structure covers training, document review, and the initial site inspection. These fees are non-refundable, so it’s important to be ready before you begin. The MASH certification process starts with the online Certification Interest Form. Completing this form connects you with MASH staff and triggers delivery of the “Certification Welcome” materials. MASH provides policy-writing tools and resources to help operators align with NARR standards. Because Minnesota’s local zoning rules vary, operators should confirm compliance early to avoid costly delays during certification.

• MASH provides policy-writing tools and resources to help operators align with NARR standards.
• Repeated violations may lead to court orders mandating compliance or temporary closures until issues are resolved.
• Meet early with providers, crisis teams, and community partners; share your admissions criteria and drug screening policy so partners know how to refer.
• This network allows for sharing experiences and learning from one another, fostering growth within a passionate community.

Massachusetts offers limited direct funding for sober living, but specific programs can help. Project NORTH provides short-term rent assistance for eligible court-involved individuals residing in participating MASH-certified sober homes, administered in partnership with the Trial Court and BSAS. This guide explores how sober living works in Massachusetts, who oversees certification, what steps are required to open or certify a sober home, and how funding and regulations affect operators and residents alike. Sober living homes in Massachusetts play a vital role in bridging the gap between formal treatment and independent living. For many residents, the journey of recovery doesn’t end when they complete detox or residential treatment—it continues in a safe, structured, and supportive environment. Launching a sober living home in Saint Paul starts with clear house policies, smart siting, and a consistent drug test / drug screen approach that keeps https://telus.examassistance.com/can-drinking-raise-my-blood-pressure-2/ your sober house safe and predictable—without becoming treatment.

This application collects important information about your home, your organization, and your commitment to meeting MASH standards. It will also provide an understanding of categories of hazards, methods of identifying hazards, Assessing the risk of hazards and methods to control the risk, how to develop safe work procedures. Our primary goal is to collaborate with our members, providing the necessary safety and health resources to establish a secure work environment for their employees. We offer a comprehensive range of safety training, consulting services, and Safe Work certification to support all healthcare workers. At Mash Gym, our certification program caters to those in and around Morenci, MI, and emphasizes high-quality training.

For more on sober living business and strategy in Indiana, see our blog post,  Indiana Sober Living Homes Are Easy to Open. Your personalized roadmap will guide you from site selection to successful launch — with expert guidance at every step. A strong, supportive house culture is one of the biggest predictors of resident success. Renewal involves documentation review and, every other year, a full on-site inspection.