ORRPA Brings Recovery Housing Providers' Voices to Ohio's Rulemaking Process
Ohio's recovery housing landscape is undergoing significant regulatory changes, and providers across the state are coming together to make sure their voices are heard.
Since its formation, the Ohio Recovery Residence Provider Association (ORRPA) has been actively engaging recovery housing operators, gathering feedback on Ohio's emergency recovery housing rules, meeting with state officials, and preparing to participate in the upcoming public hearing.
Our message is simple: Recovery housing regulations must protect residents while recognizing the diversity of recovery housing models and the realities of operating safe, supportive recovery environments.
Bringing Providers Together Across Ohio
In September, ORRPA hosted a statewide Recovery Housing Provider Roundtable that brought together 47 participants to discuss the emergency rules and their potential impact.
Providers shared concerns about staffing requirements, medication policies, background checks, resident discharge procedures, building and occupancy requirements, and the distinction between recovery housing and licensed treatment services.
These conversations have helped shape ORRPA's advocacy priorities.
Taking Provider Concerns Directly to State Leadership
On September 14, an ORRPA representative met with leadership from the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) to discuss the emergency rules and the concerns raised by recovery housing providers.
Following that meeting, ORRPA continued reviewing proposed regulatory changes, gathering provider input, and developing recommendations intended to strengthen resident protections without imposing unnecessary barriers to recovery housing operations.
Our efforts are focused on constructive collaboration, practical solutions, and ensuring that the experiences of providers and residents inform regulatory decisions.
ORRPA to Testify at October 20 Public Hearing
On Tuesday, October 20, ORRPA members will travel to Columbus to present testimony at DBH's public hearing on the proposed recovery housing rules.
Our testimony will address several significant issues:
Different recovery housing models: The importance of regulations that recognize different levels of support, staffing structures, and recovery housing approaches.
Resident discharge and safety: The ability of providers to respond appropriately when substance use or serious violations threaten the safety and recovery environment of other residents.
Clinical boundaries and resident choice: Preserving the distinction between recovery housing and treatment while protecting residents' ability to select their own clinical providers.
Background checks and recovery leadership: Avoiding unnecessarily restrictive requirements that prevent qualified individuals with lived recovery experience from serving in recovery housing leadership roles.
Good-faith compliance and proportional enforcement: Encouraging reasonable opportunities to correct deficiencies while maintaining meaningful accountability.
ORRPA will also continue advocating for practical occupancy and safety requirements that protect residents without unnecessarily reducing access to recovery housing.
The Public Is Invited to Attend
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
10:00 AM
Rhodes State Office Tower
Lobby Hearing Room, Ground Floor
30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio
The hearing is open to the public. Recovery housing providers, residents, advocates, community partners, and other interested individuals are welcome to attend and observe the proceedings.
Why This Matters
Ohio's emergency recovery housing rules took effect on August 10, 2026, and remain in effect while the state continues the rulemaking process.
The decisions being made now may have lasting implications for how recovery housing is operated, staffed, and made available to individuals seeking recovery.
ORRPA believes meaningful regulations should be informed by those who understand recovery housing firsthand.
Join ORRPA and help strengthen the collective voice of Ohio's recovery housing providers.
Membership provides opportunities for collaboration, regulatory updates, educational resources, and ongoing engagement on issues affecting recovery housing across the state.
Learn more and become a member at www.orrpa.org.
