Governor DeWine Signs Order Creating Statewide Certification for Recovery Housing

Governor Mike DeWine signed Executive Order 2026-03D on Tuesday, giving the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health new authority to certify and oversee recovery housing operators statewide. The order responds to rapid growth in the recovery housing industry. There were 356 recovery houses operating in Ohio in 2022. Today there are more than 1,700. Why the state is stepping in DBH officials said the growth has outpaced oversight. Some recovery houses have opened without proper certification, according to the announcement. Officials pointed to unsafe and poor living conditions at some facilities, particularly in southern Ohio. "Recovery housing provides hope, stability, and a pathway to long term recovery for thousands of Ohioans," DeWine said. "As Ohio continues to invest in behavioral health and recovery services, we have a responsibility to ensure these programs operate with the highest levels of accountability, transparency, and integrity." Under the emergency rules, DBH will run a centralized certification program with tighter standards. The department will also gain direct authority to take complaints, investigate problems, and enforce compliance at recovery homes. Cases involving suspected fraud can now be referred directly to the Ohio Attorney General's Office. What the new authority covers DBH Director Tia Marcel Moretti framed the change as a support for the industry, not a punishment of it. "This transition is about building a stronger recovery housing system for the future," Moretti said. "Most recovery housing providers are dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to help Ohioans rebuild their lives." Under the new structure, DBH will: Administer certification for recovery housing operators statewide Establish and maintain consistent statewide standards Strengthen monitoring and compliance Improve transparency and accountability Enhance protections for residents while supporting recovery outcomes Attorney General Andy Wilson joined DeWine for the announcement and pledged enforcement support. "My office stands ready to assist the Department of Behavioral Health and local prosecutors," Wilson said. "We have zero tolerance for fraud. If bad actors try to exploit this program, we will deploy the full weight of our legal resources to hold them accountable." Lawmakers weigh in on local impact Three state lawmakers joined DeWine for the signing. State Representative Justin Pizzulli, who represents Scioto County, said the order marks a turning point for southern Ohio communities that have struggled with unregulated homes. State Senator Terry Johnson echoed that sentiment, saying Scioto County has carried a heavy burden as recovery housing expanded without enough oversight. State Representative Brian Lorenz raised a separate but related issue: local zoning. He said Ohio's zoning laws need to catch up with the realities communities face as recovery housing spreads into more neighborhoods. Lorenz said he is working in the General Assembly on legislation to modernize those laws while preserving local control. DBH said it will work with recovery housing operators, county ADAMH boards, and recovery advocates as the new certification program rolls out, with a goal of minimal disruption to current residents.