DeWine orders increased oversight of addiction recovery houses

Gov. Mike DeWine signed an executive order Monday tightening state oversight of Ohio’s growing number of recovery houses, which are designed to provide a sober, supportive residence for recovering addicts (Source: “Ohio steps up oversight of addiction recovery houses as numbers surge,” Cleveland Plain Dealer, Aug. 11).
 
DeWine said at a news conference that as the number of recovery houses has increased nearly 400% over the past four years, reports of unsafe living conditions, uncertified operators and potential fraud have also increased.
 
Until now, the state of Ohio has maintained a registry of recovery houses and delegated accreditation to two outside nonprofits, Ohio Recovery Housing and Oxford House International.
 
The executive order creates emergency rules that put the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health in charge of certifying recovery houses, as well as inspecting homes, investigating complaints and referring suspected fraud or other violations to the Ohio Attorney General’s office. The new rules also raise state standards for living conditions and safety protocols.