Ohio Governor Signs Executive Order to Strengthen Recovery Housing Oversight Statewide

Governor Mike DeWine signed Executive Order 2026-03D on August 10, 2026, giving the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) new authority to create and administer a statewide certification program for recovery housing operators. The action addresses explosive growth in the sector — from 356 recovery houses in 2022 to more than 1,700 today — while establishing safeguards against fraud, waste, and unsafe living conditions.

What the Executive Order Changes

The executive order transfers oversight responsibility to DBH and establishes emergency rules that:

• Centralize certification: Create a single, state-administered certification program with consistent quality standards across all 88 counties
• Strengthen monitoring: Grant DBH direct authority to receive complaints, investigate violations, and enforce compliance
• Enhance transparency: Require certified operators to meet higher standards for safety, accountability, and resident protections
• Enable prosecution: Allow DBH to refer suspected fraud cases directly to the Ohio Attorney General's Office

"Recovery housing provides hope, stability, and a pathway to long-term recovery for thousands of Ohioans," said Governor DeWine at the signing ceremony. "As Ohio continues to invest in behavioral health and recovery services, we have a responsibility to ensure these programs operate with the highest levels of accountability, transparency, and integrity."

Why the Change Was Needed

The rapid expansion of recovery housing in Ohio — a nearly 400% increase in just four years — created gaps in oversight that left some residents vulnerable. DBH identified growing problems particularly in southern Ohio, where houses were opening without proper certification and operating with unsafe conditions.

State Representative Justin Pizzulli, whose Scioto County district has been heavily affected, emphasized the urgency: "When someone reaches out their hand for help, we have a responsibility to make sure the hand reaching back isn't there to exploit them."

Senator Terry Johnson, also representing a southern Ohio district, noted that communities have struggled with the burden of unregulated recovery housing: "Scioto County is bearing much of that burden for the state. This executive order addresses the bad actors in recovery housing, and that is a big part of the problem."

What Recovery Housing Means for Families

Recovery houses — also called sober living homes or recovery residences — provide substance-free living environments where individuals transitioning from treatment can build healthy routines, develop life skills, and receive peer support. Quality recovery housing serves as a critical bridge between intensive treatment and independent living.

For families, this executive order provides several important protections:

Verification of quality: The new certification program creates clear standards families can check when helping a loved one select housing. Certified homes must meet specific requirements for safety, staffing, and support services.

Complaint process: DBH will maintain a direct channel for reporting concerns, with authority to investigate and take action against operators who violate standards.

Reduced fraud risk: The Attorney General's office now has a clear pathway to prosecute operators who exploit residents through deceptive practices, hidden fees, or substandard conditions.

Implementation Timeline

The Department of Behavioral Health is working with recovery housing operators, county Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health (ADAMH) Boards, and advocacy groups to ensure an orderly transition. Current residents should experience minimal disruption during the certification process.

DBH has posted additional guidance for operators on its website, including application procedures and compliance deadlines. The department emphasizes that "most recovery housing providers are dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to help Ohioans rebuild their lives" and that the new framework aims to support quality providers while weeding out bad actors.

Broader Context: Recovery Housing Quality Matters

Research consistently shows that stable housing is a cornerstone of long-term recovery. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment found that individuals who lived in recovery housing for at least six months had significantly higher rates of sustained abstinence and lower rates of incarceration compared to those without structured housing support.

However, quality varies dramatically across the industry. The National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) has established four levels of recovery housing, ranging from peer-run homes to clinically supervised facilities. Ohio's new certification program aligns with these national standards while adding state-specific protections.

Zoning and Local Control

State Representative Brian Lorenz is working on companion legislation addressing zoning laws that affect where recovery housing can operate. "As we strengthen standards and accountability at the state level, we also need to make sure our local communities have the right tools to address how recovery housing fits within their neighborhoods," Lorenz said. His proposed legislation aims to modernize zoning laws while preserving local decision-making and avoiding unnecessary barriers to responsible development.

What Families Should Know

If you're helping a loved one find recovery housing in Ohio:

Ask about certification: Once the DBH program is fully implemented, verify that any home you're considering appears on the state's certified operator list.

Visit in person: Tour the facility, meet the staff, and observe the living conditions before making a commitment.

Understand the rules: Quality recovery houses have clear expectations about sobriety, house meetings, curfews, and responsibilities. Make sure your loved one understands and can follow these rules.

Know the warning signs: Be cautious of homes that require large upfront payments, lack clear house rules, or refuse to let you tour before move-in.

Report concerns: If you encounter problems with a recovery house, contact the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health's new complaint system.

The Road Ahead

Ohio's action reflects a growing national recognition that recovery housing needs professional standards and government oversight. As the opioid settlement funds flow into states over the next decade, more jurisdictions are likely to face similar challenges with rapid growth in the recovery housing sector.

For Ohio families, the executive order represents a significant step toward ensuring that when a loved one seeks help, the support they receive meets basic standards of safety, dignity, and effectiveness. The state's approach — combining centralized certification with enforcement authority — may serve as a model for other states grappling with similar oversight gaps.

If you or someone you know needs help finding substance use disorder treatment or recovery housing in Ohio, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential, 24/7 assistance. Ohio residents can also visit the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health website for state-specific resources and certified provider listings.