Ohio Governor DeWine signs order for recovery housing oversight

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed Executive Order 2026-03D to establish a statewide certification framework for recovery housing operators. The order grants the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) the authority to oversee recovery residences, implement consistent standards, and manage a centralized certification program.

The initiative follows a rapid expansion of the industry in Ohio, where the number of recovery houses grew from 356 in 2022 to more than 1,700 today. State officials noted that this growth has been accompanied by an increase in facilities operating without proper certification or providing unsafe living conditions, particularly in southern Ohio.

Under the new oversight structure, the DBH will have the power to receive complaints, investigate violations, and enforce compliance. The department also has the authority to refer potential cases of fraud, waste, or abuse to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office to ensure resident protection and program integrity.