The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs announced that the licensure program for drug and alcohol recovery houses is open and accepting applications.
The licensure program for recovery houses aims to empower sustained recovery for individuals with substance use disorder by ensuring a network of safe drug and alcohol recovery houses across the commonwealth. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration defines recovery houses as “safe, healthy, family-like substance-free living environments that support individuals in recovery from addiction.”
“The Wolf Administration is dedicated to ensuring that Pennsylvanians are supported through all phases of their recovery journey,” said DDAP Secretary Jen Smith. “Without recovery housing standards or protections, there are unknown numbers of substandard facilities who may be exploiting this vulnerable population. These regulations are a significant step in ensuring safe, supportive housing for Pennsylvanians in recovery from substance use disorder.”
The recovery house licensing regulations contain a number of provisions designed to protect residents in the areas of health and safety, finances and resident rights, some of which include:
– Staff training on administering naloxone, CPR, first aid and requirement of naloxone on the premises
– Notification of emergency contact as a result of resident hospitalization, death, or not returning within 12 hours of expected time
– Pennsylvania State Police criminal history check for all staff and volunteers
– Nondiscriminatory practices based on age, sex, race, ethnicity, religion, economic status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression
– Documentation of all financial transactions with residents and establishment of a written agreement before assisting in any management of resident funds
Click here for more information regarding the application process.
