COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine signed an executive order Monday putting the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health in charge of certifying and policing recovery housing statewide, a move state officials said targets unlicensed sober-living homes with unsafe conditions that have proliferated in southern Ohio.
Executive Order 2026-03D creates emergency rules giving DBH direct authority to certify recovery housing operators, investigate complaints and refer suspected fraud, waste or abuse to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, according to the governor’s office.
The number of recovery houses operating in Ohio has grown from 356 in 2022 to more than 1,700 today, according to the release. DBH said that growth has been accompanied by a rise in homes operating without proper certification and with unsafe, poor living conditions, particularly in southern Ohio.
“Recovery housing provides hope, stability, and a pathway to long-term recovery for thousands of Ohioans,” DeWine said in a statement. “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.”
State Sen. Terry Johnson, R-McDermott, who represents Scioto County, said the county has shouldered a disproportionate share of the fallout from problem recovery homes.
“Scioto County is bearing much of that burden for the state, and that is difficult for many in our community to reconcile, to the point there has even been a backlash against those trying to get well,” Johnson said in a statement. “Now, this executive order addresses the bad actors in recovery housing, and that is a big part of the problem.”
State Rep. Justin Pizzulli, R-Scioto County, also appeared with DeWine at the announcement. “When someone reaches out their hand for help, we have a responsibility to make sure the hand reaching back isn’t there to exploit them,” Pizzulli said in a statement. “Today marks a new chapter for Southern Ohio.”
DBH Director Tia Marcel Moretti said the change is meant to raise standards without punishing legitimate operators. “Most recovery housing providers are dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to help Ohioans rebuild their lives,” Moretti said in a statement. “They deserve a fair, transparent, and consistent regulatory framework that recognizes quality, protects residents, and promotes public trust.”
Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson joined DeWine for the announcement and said his office would back up the new enforcement authority. “We have zero tolerance for fraud,” Wilson said in a statement. “If bad actors try to exploit this program, we will deploy the full weight of our legal resources to hold them accountable and ensure compliance.”
Under the order, DBH will administer certification for recovery housing operators statewide, set higher and more consistent standards, strengthen monitoring and compliance, and improve transparency, according to the release. The department said it will work with local behavioral health partners, county Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health boards and recovery advocates during the transition to limit disruption for current residents.
State Rep. Brian Lorenz, R-Powell, said he is separately pursuing legislation to update local zoning laws so communities have more say over where recovery housing can locate.
The information contained in this story was obtained from the Office of Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.
