Certify Your Recovery Residence with Confidence in Arizona
In Arizona, operating a sober living home requires licensure from the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). According to Arizona Revised Statutes §36-2061(3), a sober living home is defined as any premises that provides alcohol-free or drug-free housing and meets specific criteria.
While certification through the Arizona Recovery Housing Association (AzRHA) is not mandatory, it is highly recommended. AzRHA certification can expedite the licensure process, as ADHS may waive the initial inspection for certified homes.
Therefore, to legally operate a sober living home in Arizona, you must obtain licensure from ADHS. Pursuing AzRHA certification can facilitate this process and demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards in recovery housing.
AzRHA & ADHS
The Arizona Department of Health Services (AzDHS) licensure ensures that your sober living home complies with state-mandated regulations for safety, quality, and operational standards. By obtaining licensure, you demonstrate your commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for residents while ensuring compliance with Arizona state laws.
The Arizona Recovery Housing Association (AzRHA) certification ensures that your recovery residence meets nationally recognized quality standards set by the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR). By becoming certified, you demonstrate your commitment to excellence in recovery housing while gaining access to referral networks, community resources, and additional credibility within the recovery housing sector.
AzRHA REQUIREMENTS
01
Mandatory Meetings
You must attend two monthly AzRHA member meetings to become eligible for membership. The meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month (we skip December). The meetings are at St Matthew’s Episcopal Church at 901 W. Erie St. Chandler 85225. For those that cannot attend in person, here is the GoTo link: https://www.gotomeet.me/InfoAzRHA/azrha-monthly-meeting.
02
Voting
At the second monthly AzRHA meeting, members must request to be voted in. They will be assigned an AzRHA mentor to walk them through the process.
03
Mentorship
Members will be paired up with a mentor to assist them with their application process and any questions.
04
Inspection
Member will have to wait to be voted in (at their second meeting), to begin submitting their required documents, pay the application fee, and continue on to the inspection scheduling.
AzDHS REQUIREMENTS
01
Submit Application
You must submit the DHS application either via mail or in person.
02
Inspection
Inspection is waived with your AzRHA certification.
Essential Documents for Certification
We help you prepare all the necessary documents required for certification, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Our team also provides support with any revisions needed after the state review, so your application process runs smoothly from start to finish. Ahzra requires the following documents
- Code of Ethics Statement
- Federal Fair Housing Act and Non-Discrimination Policy Affidavit attesting of compliance
- Mission Statement that corresponds with AZRHA's core principles
- Vision Statement that corresponds with AZRHA's core principles
- Confidentiality Policy & Procedure
- Program Format (Phases, Stages)
- Disposal methods for illegal drugs/medications on property policy and procedure (both illegal drugs and meds must be mentioned)
- Meeting Check-in Log lists the meetings attended by the resident
- Narcan Training Policy
- CPR Traning Policy
- Safety Self-Assessment Policy & Checklist - regular internal safety and health inspections are conducted
- Discharge Policy & Procedure - plan of action worked out with resident (ie. detox, apartment, family), how will the resident travel to the destination, is there a timeframe a resident must be off-property before returning (if allowed to return)
- Resident Screening Policy & Procedure
- Resident Orientation Policy & Procedure
- Personal information collection by the program of each resident policy (ex privacy & location prior to orientation)
- House Rules & Consequences
- Staffing Peer Leadership Policy
- Staff/Peer Leadership Job Descriptions
- Fire Drill Policy & Log (AZDHS requires two drills per year)
- Good Neighbor Policy
- Resident contract that includes all fees, any other charges, and a refund policy
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Policy to provide resident information as needed
- Hardship Scholarship Assessment Policy
- Hazardous Items Search Policy and Procedure
- Medication Storage & Use Policy and Procedure - include info on Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
- Drug Testing Policy & Procedure including frequency
- Reoccurrence of Use Policy & Procedure
- Grievance Policy & Procedure, including instructions to file with AZRHA
- Paid To Work Residents Policy
- Maintenance Policy & Procedure: How residents report broken or safety concerns
- Application for potential residents
- Track resident outcome measures policy (ie. Discharge type of housing, length of abstinence)
- Resident Rights & Requirements
Why Work With Us?
Expert Guidance
Our team understands the certification process. We simplify the journey and guide you step-by-step, ensuring your recovery residence meets all requirements.
Tailored Support
We provide customized tools, templates, and resources to help your residence stand out and succeed. Every home is unique, and we tailor our services to fit your needs.
Compliance Guarantee
We ensure your home meets high standards, providing a solid foundation for long-term success and peace of mind.
Continued Support
Join our Halfway House Coalition and gain access to weekly masterclasses for ongoing education, resources, and networking opportunities. Stay updated on industry best practices to ensure your residence remains a leader in the recovery housing community.