We are thankful to have achieved SAFE Work certification through MASH, which supports our commitment to continuous improvement and a safe work environment. This achievement reflects many hours of work by our occupational safety and health team, and the collaborative efforts of workplace health and safety committees across the region. Resource directories, written or electronic, are made available to residents.22.b.
What to Expect During the Sober House Inspection
- Resident and staff orientations include how to greet and interact with neighbors and/or concerned parties.
- Sober homes applying for annual recertification must remit payment of certification fees during the recertification process and prior to scheduling the home inspection.
- Nothing in this section shall prohibit a residence that has not received certification from operating or advertising as alcohol and drug free housing or from offering residence to persons recovering from substance use disorders.
- Provide structured scheduled, curriculum-driven, and/or otherwise defined support services and life skills development.
- You don’t have to get certified to open a sober living home in Massachusetts.
It is searchable by name, region, town, zip code Drug rehabilitation and type of service offered. This tool is an invaluable resource to those considering operating in the state because you can use it to better understand the market and identify holes in the state’s offerings. Failure to secure adequate insurance exposes operators to financial liabilities and legal challenges.
- (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).
- This guide offers an overview of key aspects related to maintaining standards within these establishments.
- 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.
- A policy and practice that residents be informed of payments from 3rd party payers for any fees paid on their behalf.
State Certification for Sober Living Homes in Massachusetts is Optional – But There’s a Catch
The people of MASH have been instrumental and proactive in assisting us on our journey to build a culture of safety in mash certification health care through certification. We are grateful to be the very first health care organization that is SAFE Work certified; and to be able to call MASH a true partner in safe health care. Before MASH will certify your sober home, your property must pass a detailed on-site inspection.
Point Compliance Checklist:
- Failure to secure adequate insurance exposes operators to financial liabilities and legal challenges.
- Job descriptions include staff responsibilities, eligibility, and knowledge, skills and abilities needed to deliver services.
- Evidence that staff are supported in maintaining appropriate boundaries according to a code of conduct.
- Join our sober living community or refer a client, family member, or friend.
- Referred by a community provider, an eligible ATR participant will work with an ATR Housing Coordinator to find a sober home that meets their needs.
- NARR plays a pivotal role in shaping recovery housing across the United States by setting the national standards that affiliates like MASH implement.
The Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH) offers voluntary certification, which signifies adherence to best practices. Certification requires compliance with National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) standards, covering health, safety, and ethical operations. 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.
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Policy regarding smoke‐free living environment and/or designated smoking area outside of the residence. Evidence that supervisors (including top management) create a positive, productive work environment for staff. Evidence that residents’ recovery progress and challenges are recognized and strengths are celebrated. Evidence that residents have opportunities to be heard in the governance of the residence; however, decision making remains with the operator.
MASH or Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Living is A Great Resource When Starting Your Sober Living Home
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. The Massachusetts NARR State affiliate plays an indispensable role in supporting individuals recovering from substance use disorders by ensuring access to high-quality sober living environments across the state. The legal framework governing sober houses in Massachusetts is multifaceted, involving state and local regulations.
