Certification Overview

The MASH certification process is designed for recovery residence program operators who are currently operating recovery housing programs in MN. A recovery residence is a type of community residence that provides a safe, healthy, family-like, substance-free living environment that supports individuals in recovery from substance use disorder. 

Before initiating the certification process, we ask that you become familiar with the NARR Quality Standards (3.0 version) as well as the NARR/MASH Code of Ethics. The certification application process is designed to verify that your organization meets these minimum quality requirements. Everyone associated with your organization (including volunteers) is expected to adhere to the NARR/MASH Code of Ethics.

Basic Outline of the Certification Process

  1. Submit a certification interest form to initiate the certification process.

  2. Review Certification Welcome materials 

  3. Complete the full MASH application.
    Provide documentation verifying:

    • Organization Legal entity status (LLC, Corporation, Non-profit, etc.)

    • Appropriate insurance coverage for each recovery residence

    • Permission from the property owner to operate a recovery residence

  4. Sign the Code of Ethics & MASH Assurances

  5. Submit organizational policies and procedures to meet the standards.

  6. Schedule and complete an on-site inspection if the recovery residence(s) to meet the standards.

  7. Address any follow-up requirements through a Quality Improvement Plan, if needed.

  8. Sign the MASH Certification & Compliance Agreement.

  9. Receive MASH Certificate of Compliance

MASH Certification Fee Structure

Certification Application Fee (Non-Refundable)

Organizations must pay a non-refundable Certification Application Fee to begin the certification process. This fee includes:

  • Access to NARR Standards 3.0 LMS training

  • MASH policy and procedure writing guides

  • Document review and technical assistance

  • Inspection preparation materials

  • Scheduling and conducting the onsite inspection

  • Inspection report and follow-up communication

Certification Application Fee:

  • $750 for an organization applying with one recovery residence

  • $150 for each additional residence submitted at the same time

Inactive Applications:
Applications that remain inactive for more than 90 days, or are not completed within six months, will be automatically denied. MASH will send reminder notices. If no action is taken, the application will be closed and must be restarted — including payment of a new Certification Application Fee.

Initial Certification Fee

Once your organization is approved and your home(s) meet all certification requirements, you will be invoiced:

  • $20 per certified bed

This fee must be paid before certification is awarded. Certification is valid for 12 months from the date it is issued and includes:

  • MASH branding and Certified Directory listing

  • Ongoing training and technical assistance

  • Access to certification tools and resources

  • Compliance monitoring and inspection support

Annual Certification Renewal

To maintain certification, organizations must renew annually on their certification anniversary date. This includes:

  • $750 MASH Affiliate Fee (once per organization)

  • $20 per certified bed

Renewal fees support:

  • Annual policy/documentation review

  • Ongoing access to NARR LMS training

  • Directory updates and certification support

  • Full onsite inspection every other year

Invoices and renewal materials are sent 90 days before your certification anniversary. Payment must be received before your certification expires to remain in good standing.

Adding Homes During the Certification Year

If your organization opens or acquires a new recovery residence after certification:

  • Notify MASH immediately and begin the certification process for the new home

  • Pay a $150 Certification Application Fee per additional home

New homes must complete the full certification process and may not be advertised as “MASH-certified” until approved.

Note: Adding a home does not change your organization’s renewal date. Instead, the new beds will be included in your next annual invoice.

Example:
An organization certified with 10 beds on July 1, 2025, adds another 10-bed home in November 2025. After approval, both homes will be included in the July 1, 2026 renewal:
$750 Affiliate Fee + $20 x 20 beds = $1,150 total

How Certification Fees Are Used

MASH reinvests all certification fees into services that directly support certified recovery residences and strengthen recovery housing in Minnesota. Your fees help:

  • Maintain the certification platform and online Certified Directory

  • Fund professional inspections and fair certification reviews

  • Provide training, workshops, and technical assistance

  • Support state and national advocacy efforts on behalf of recovery housing

MASH operates without state or federal funding and is guided by a dedicated team committed to advancing quality, ethical recovery housing. By becoming certified, you're not just meeting standards — you're sustaining a statewide movement to protect and improve recovery residences for years to come.

MASH Certification Interest Form

Use this form to let us know you're interested in becoming a certified recovery residence through the Minnesota Association of Sober Homes (MASH). Submitting this form does not begin your application — it simply helps us understand your readiness and determine the best next steps. After reviewing your submission, a MASH team member will follow up to answer questions, offer guidance, or connect you with helpful resources. Thank you for your interest in joining Minnesota’s certified recovery housing network.