Sober Living Homes in Colorado Now Require Certification
On May 23, 2019, the State of Colorado enacted new requirements for Sober Homes. The law requires all facilities using the term “Recovery Residence”, “Sober Living Facility” “Sober Home”, or substantially similar terms to be certified by a “Recovery Residence Certifying Body” by January 1, 2020. (CRS 25-1.5-108.5 (2))
There are more than 159 facilities describing themselves as “Sober Homes” or “Recovery Residences” in Colorado as of April 17, 2020. However, at the time of this writing, there is only one certifying body in the state today, and only 19 such facilities certified or provisionally certified.
In fairness, the uncertified sober homes may be preoccupied with the challenges presented by COVID-19, and word of the new law may not yet have been well advertised by Colorado Office of Behavioral Health in the Department of Human Services.
However, if you know a sober home operator in Colorado, please pass this article along.
How to Certify a Colorado Recovery Residence
The only certifying body in Colorado at this time is the Colorado Association of Recovery Residences. As an approved certifying body, CARR will ensure that any premises, place, facility, or building it certifies as a Recovery Residence meets the minimum standards established by the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) to operate a Recovery Residence.
The threshold requirements for certification by CARR are relatively low, as are the required attachments to the application.
1. There must be an application for each location
2. A copy of Certificate of Good Standing from Colorado Secretary of State
3. A copy of the liability insurance policy certificate for each location
4. Written policies/structure/rules for program housing
5. Written policies for house managers and their duties/obligations
6. Mission Statement
7. Copies of the advertising materials (brochure, business card, website address, etc.)
8. Signed Code of Ethics of each staff member and house manager.
9. Signed Certification/Member Requirement form signed by the Provider Representative
The certification fee is $700.00 and requires an inspection and background check of the owner/house manager. You can find a copy of the application here.
There are a few places on the website and in the application where CARR requests information about the applicant’s intent to join the association as a member. This would be another $700. However, it is clear from their website that membership is not required.
The website does not include a phone number and you are forced to communicate via a web portal “contact us” message system.
CARR is providing provisional/Limited Accreditation for those who submit completed applications while they organize for inspections after the lockdown in Colorado comes to an end.
Recovery Residences, and other group homes face numerous community and legal challenges. For example, Recovery Residences are likely to see opposition from neighbors during the plans to open a new residence. These sorts of issues are addressed by us, and other attorneys, that work with group homes and health care facilities.
If you run into challenges opening your facility or working with regulators, we can help.