How to Certify a Sober House in Rhode Island: Complete Guide to Recovery Residence Certification

Certification is a critical step for sober living operators in Rhode Island who want to provide high-quality recovery housing, access state funding, receive referrals, and gain strong legal protections. While certification is technically voluntary, it has become the standard for reputable sober living homes in Rhode Island. This guide will walk you through how to certify a sober house in Rhode Island, under the current system administered solely by RICARES, Rhode Island’s state-designated NARR affiliate.

Why Certify Your Sober Living Home in Rhode Island?

Access to state referrals from BHDDH-funded programs

Eligibility for state rental assistance through the Recovery Housing Assistance Program

Legal protection under Rhode Island’s zoning laws for certified recovery residences

Enhanced trust and credibility with families, courts, providers, and the recovery community

Compliance with national NARR standards for quality recovery housing

💡 Pro Tip: Certification is the key to long-term success, sustainability, and full participation in Rhode Island’s formal recovery housing system.

Rhode Island’s Certification System: RICARES (State & NARR Affiliate Certification)

Administered by: Rhode Island Communities for Addiction Recovery Efforts (RICARES), under partnership with BHDDH (Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals) and as the official NARR affiliate for Rhode Island.

Recognized by the State of Rhode Island

Required for state referrals and BHDDH rental assistance programs

Based on National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) standards

Provides national NARR-recognized certification

Includes documentation review, facility inspection, ongoing compliance monitoring, and renewal

📌 Point to Note: In Rhode Island, RICARES certification is both the state certification and the NARR affiliate certification. This creates a single streamlined certification process for all recovery residence operators.

Explore Michelle Ngila’s story on her RICARES certification journey: I’ve Certified Recovery Homes in Rhode Island — Here’s How You Can Too

The RICARES Certification Process

Step 1: Prepare Your House and Policies

Before applying, operators should ensure:

The home is safe, clean, and meets fire and building codes.

House rules and resident agreements are in place.

Grievance procedures, good neighbor policies, emergency plans, and financial systems are documented.

All required insurance coverages are active (liability, workers’ compensation, property, etc.).

Staff (if applicable) are trained and documented.

✅ Bonus Tip: RICARES provides a pre-inspection checklist to help operators prepare.

Step 2: Submit the RICARES Application

Complete the online application via the RICARES website.

Submit all required supporting documentation: policies, insurance certificates, floor plans, financial records, and staff training materials.

Designate your NARR Level of Support (Level I-IV) that describes your recovery residence.

Step 3: Application Review

RICARES staff review your submitted documentation.

Any missing or incomplete materials must be corrected before proceeding.

Step 4: On-Site Inspection

A RICARES inspector will conduct a site visit.

The inspection verifies:

Safety, cleanliness, and habitability

Policy implementation and documentation

Fire safety equipment, bedroom capacity, emergency preparedness

Step 5: Address Deficiencies (If Any)

If minor issues are identified, RICARES allows operators to correct deficiencies and submit evidence of corrections.

Step 6: Receive Certification Approval

Upon approval, your sober house is added to the RICARES public directory of Certified Recovery Residences.

Certification provides both state recognition and national NARR affiliation.

Certified homes become eligible for BHDDH contracts, rental assistance, and state referrals.

Step 7: Contract with BHDDH (For State Referrals)

Complete contracting paperwork with BHDDH to begin receiving referrals through state-funded programs.

Certification is a prerequisite for BHDDH contracts.

Step 8: Ongoing Compliance & Renewal

Certification must be renewed periodically (typically annually).

Certified homes must:

- Maintain compliance

- Undergo periodic inspections

- Submit updated documentation when required

Certification Benefits at a Glance

Benefit	RICARES Certification
State funding eligibility	Yes
State referrals (BHDDH, courts, providers)	Yes
Zoning protections (occupancy exemptions)	Yes
National NARR recognition	Yes
Professional credibility	Yes
Required by state contracts	Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is certification mandatory in Rhode Island?

Not legally, but strongly recommended. Certification is required for access to state funding, contracts, and many referral partnerships.

Can I operate without certification?

Yes, but you’ll have limited access to state resources, reduced referrals, and fewer legal protections.

Does RICARES replace OSCRH?

Yes. RICARES now administers both state certification and NARR affiliation. OSCRH is no longer the active certifying entity.

Does certification cost money?

Yes, application and inspection fees apply but are generally modest. Some fees may be subsidized or adjusted for nonprofit operators.

Build a Certified, Sustainable Recovery Residence in Rhode Island

While certification is not legally mandated, it has become the industry standard for safe, effective, and accountable sober living in Rhode Island. Certified recovery residences play a vital role in helping Rhode Islanders build long-term recovery while ensuring operational integrity, community trust, and financial sustainability.

🔔 Important: By certifying through RICARES, sober house operators ensure compliance with both Rhode Island state standards and national NARR best practices—creating the strongest possible foundation for long-term success.