Ohio Tightens Regulations on Recovery Homes Amid Concerns of Proliferation

The Ohio House of Representatives has unanimously approved House Bill 58, aiming to increase oversight of recovery homes across the state. The legislation, a priority for officials in areas heavily impacted by the opioid epidemic, now moves to the Ohio Senate and, if passed, will be sent to Governor Mike DeWine for his signature.

Addressing Rapid Growth and Regulatory Gaps

Recovery homes, which provide transitional housing for individuals battling addiction, have increased in number, particularly in regions grappling with the aftermath of the opioid crisis. Concerns have arisen regarding the lack of consistent regulation and the potential for substandard care in some facilities. Elected officials in Portsmouth and surrounding areas have been particularly vocal about the need for stricter controls.

Key Provisions of House Bill 58

HB 58 introduces several key changes to the regulation of recovery homes:

• State Certification Requirement: The bill mandates that recovery homes obtain certification from the state to operate, eliminating the option of relying on certification from private industry groups.
• Publicly Accessible Provider List: The legislation requires the state to create and maintain a comprehensive, publicly available list of certified recovery home providers, offering more detailed information than currently available.
• Enhanced Enforcement Powers: Local prosecutors will gain increased authority to seek court orders to shut down recovery homes found to be in violation of state laws.
• Transportation for Treatment Failure: Individuals court-ordered to reside in a recovery home will be provided with transportation home if they do not complete their mandated addiction treatment.

Shift Away from “Certificate of Need” Requirement

An earlier version of the bill included a provision requiring recovery homes to obtain a “certificate of need” – a process involving a review of local demand and associated fees – before opening. This requirement has been removed. State Rep. Justin Pizzulli, the bill’s lead sponsor, had initially advocated for this provision due to concerns about an overconcentration of recovery homes in certain areas, like Portsmouth, and a lack of availability in others. The fee was intended to help local governments fund necessary inspections.

Latest Task Force to Study Geographic Distribution

Instead of the “certificate of need” requirement, the bill establishes a state task force to study the geographic distribution of recovery homes, potential inspection requirements, and other relevant issues. This change addresses concerns raised by addiction recovery advocates and providers, who argued that the certificate of need would increase costs and hinder efforts to combat addiction.

Industry Support for Increased Oversight

Rep. Pizzulli noted that reputable recovery home providers generally support the tougher regulations, as they differentiate themselves from less scrupulous operators who may compromise care to lower prices. He emphasized that “Recovery housing should be part of a treatment plan, not a business model.”

Recent Legislative Action by Governor DeWine

In January 2025, Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 58 into law, which prohibits the state from requiring fees or firearms liability insurance for firearm ownership. Governor DeWine Signs Bills Into Law