How to Certify a Sober House in Massachusetts: A Practical Guide for Operators
Today, MASH plays a central role in recovery housing policy, provider training, and state-level coordination, certifying over 180 homes across Massachusetts. 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. Staff and/or resident leaders educate residents about local community-based resources.
Massachusetts Caregiver Laws: Criteria, Rights, and Compliance
Resource directories, written or electronic, are made available to residents.22.b. Read through both the MASH Standards and Massachusetts Sober Home Law. These documents outline expectations for resident agreements, operational policies, safety measures, and more. Familiarizing yourself with these standards will help you prepare your home and avoid delays later in the process. © 2025 💜 Vanderburgh Sober Living ™ is a cooperative network of independently operated sober living homes organized by The Vanderburgh Foundation, Inc., a registered 501(c)3 Charitable Foundation.
Getting certified isn’t just about compliance—it’s about building a recovery home that lasts. With mash sober housing the right preparation and support, you can create a space that empowers residents, reassures families, and meets the highest standards of care. The next step in the certification process is completing and submitting the MASH Certification Application. This application collects important information about your home, your organization, and your commitment to meeting MASH standards.
- An electronic signature is required at the end of the application to certify your agreement to all standards and policies.
- The next step in the certification process is completing and submitting the MASH Certification Application.
- Massachusetts is home to one of the most active recovery communities in the United States, offering individuals a safe, structured, and supportive environment to build a lasting life of sobriety.
Delta® TL-3 Crash Cushion
Verification that entertainment or recreational areas and/or furnishings promoting social engagement are provided. Verification that kitchen and dining area(s) are large enough to accommodate all residents sharing meals together. (e) The director shall periodically evaluate the quality of training being provided to operators seeking certification and the integrity and efficacy of the accreditation program. 27.d Documentation that residents are formally linked with the community such as job search, education, family services, health and/or housing programs. Transition (e.g. entry, phase movement and exit) rituals promote residents’ sense of belonging and confer progressive status and increasing opportunities within the recovery living environment and community.
- BehaveHealth.com stays current with industry changes by attending conferences like the annual NARR conference where experts discuss best practices in recovery housing.
- The course will cover the legal framework including duties and responsibilities, elements of a safety and health program, the structure and function of the internal responsibility system.
- After a successful inspection, MASH will send you a certification invoice.
- In New Bedford, for example, at least 18 sober living homes have been under what appears to possibly be a coordinated city-led harassment campaign.
Workplace Safety and Health Committee and Representative Training
Suppose a recovery home enforces daily check-ins, random substance tests, curfews, weekly house meetings, but does not offer group therapy, impose clinical assessments, or bill insurers. Read more about sober living home strategy and management in our blog post, Everything You Need to Open Your Sober Living Home in Massachusetts. Founded in 2007, MASH was established by sober home operators seeking consistent standards and greater accountability across the state.
MASH serves as the primary agency for accountability for all certified sober homes in Massachusetts. The purpose of this half day compressed session, is to introduce new and existing supervisors to the health & safety program. The session will https://ecosoberhouse.com/ provide brief explanations regarding the role, responsibilities, and legal duties of supervisors in the various capacities within the internal responsibility system (IRS).
Step 4: Submit the Certification Application
Effective September 1, 2016, state agencies and their vendors shall only be able to refer clients to certified sober homes. Additionally, notice will be going to identified sober homes of this effective date. Any home not certified by September 1, 2016 will not be able to accept clients from state agencies or their vendors until certified.
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 Drug rehabilitation out of reach for non-certified homes. Designed for individuals transitioning from detox, residential treatment, or rehab programs.
» MA Sober Homes Law
Are you a state agency, licensed provider, individual, or family looking for a MASH-certified sober home? Search our directory to find a list of all MASH-certified sober homes. All MASH-certified sober homes follow the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) standards and have been independently inspected. In severe cases where non-compliance threatens public safety or resident welfare, Massachusetts law permits emergency actions such as injunctions or restraining orders to cease operations immediately. Maintaining compliance is critical to ensuring the safety and success of both the sober house and its residents. Non-compliance with sober house standards in Massachusetts can lead to significant repercussions.
Principles of Safety and Health Management System *
10.a Policies that value individuals chosen for leadership roles who are versed and trained in the Social Model of recovery and best practices of the profession. Evidence that residents’ recovery progress and challenges are recognized and strengths are celebrated. After a successful inspection, MASH will send you a certification invoice. As of July 1, 2024, the total certification fee is $425 ($375 for certification + $50 for the inspection). Payment of the MASH Certification Fee is required prior to your initial certification. Replacing NCHRP 350 with MASH will be phased in over the course of several years.
