MASH Certification Standards

”Bureau”, the bureau of substance abuse services established in section 18. Here are some of the questions we receive about sober housing in Massachusetts. 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. Sober houses in Massachusetts play a crucial role in supporting individuals recovering from substance use disorders.

Efficient Testing

In 2023, the significance of the Massachusetts NARR affiliate has grown due to increasing demand for structured sober living environments amid the ongoing opioid crisis. MASH ensures that certified sober homes provide a stable environment conducive to long-term recovery by adhering to NARR’s guidelines National Alliance for Recovery ResidencesAffiliates . Recovery residences — formerly known as halfway houses — are licensed residential treatment programs, while Massachusetts sober homes are peer-led and do not provide treatment. The National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) is a nonprofit organization that promotes quality standards for recovery housing across the United States.

Looking For Grants for Your Sober Living Home Startup in Massachusetts?

• MASH is involved in several key initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality and safety of sober living environments across the state.
• Sober living homes replicate normal, everyday life situations while instilling healthy habits and helping the individual better their lives through employment or education.
• Policy regarding smoke‐free living environment and/or designated smoking area outside of the residence.
• These standards were developed using a collaborative approach with input from regional and national recovery housing organizations.
• Initially, MASH focused on creating a voluntary certification process that would ensure sober homes in Massachusetts provided safe, supportive, and structured environments for individuals in recovery.

26.b Evidence that mechanisms exist for residents to inform and help guide marijuana addiction operations and advocate for community-building. Operator will attest that electrical, mechanical, and structural components of the property are functional and free of fire andsafety hazards. Policies and procedures for ongoing performance development of staff appropriate to staff roles and residencelevel. Cultural responsiveness and competence training or certification are provided. Policies and procedures that serve the priority population, which at a minimum include persons in recovery fromsubstance use but may also include other demographic criteria. If there are any changes to the sober home policies or sober home management, please notify MASH to update our files.

Core Principle: Provide a Home-like Environment: The residence is comfortable, inviting, and meets residents’ needs

An increase in beds will require an additional inspection to the sober home. 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). For updated information, please check with MASH directly. Payment of the MASH Certification Fee is required prior to your initial certification. VSL Chartered Operators receive mock inspection templates, pre-inspection checklists, and coaching to ensure they’re fully prepared.

Massachusetts NARR State Affiliate: A Comprehensive Guide for Entrepreneurs, Healthcare Providers, and Administrators

This legislation limits state agencies and their vendors to referring to certified ADF housing. DPH awarded a contract to the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH) to be the certifying body, and the training and technical assistance vendor. MASH serves as the primary agency for accountability for all certified sober homes in Massachusetts. Effective September 1, 2016, state agencies and their vendors are only able to refer clients to mash certification certified alcohol and drug-free (ADF) housing. In accordance with this requirement, MASH serves as the primary agency for accountability of all certified homes in Massachusetts.

In addition, a Federal Register Notice was also issued regarding this action. This has provided a significant step toward the implementation of MASH. Today, we’ll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about opening your sober living home in Massachusetts. An electronic signature is required at the end of the application to certify your agreement to all standards and policies. VSL Chartered Operators receive hands-on support, document templates, and pre-inspection checklists to make certification smooth and stress-free.