Ethics in Sober Living and the Law, Part 3

Voluntary Certification and NJ Bill A3230: Raising the Bar with Accountability and Transparency

As the conversation around sober living regulation in New Jersey continues to evolve, one bill in particular is quietly gaining traction: Assembly Bill A3230.

Unlike other legislation aimed at imposing stricter licensing and enforcement measures, A3230 takes a more balanced approach — proposing a voluntary certification program for sober living homes aligned with national standards.

At Midway House of NJ, we believe this may be one of the most promising developments in the recovery housing space — not because it replaces enforcement, but because it elevates the homes that choose to do things the right way. A voluntary certification program sends a powerful message: We’re not just doing what’s required — we’re doing what’s right.

What Is A3230 and How Would It Work?

Assembly Bill A3230 tasks the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) with designating an approved credentialing body (such as a nonprofit organization) to oversee a voluntary certification program for sober living homes.

Key components of the program include:

• Certification standards based on the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) model

• Credentialing of both the residences and their administrators

• Annual inspections and random on-site visits

• Minimum training and conduct standards for those managing the homes

Participation in the program is voluntary — but certified homes would be listed in a publicly accessible directory maintained by the state.

This isn’t about more red tape. It’s about offering a clear path for ethical providers to stand out, and for families, providers, and residents to identify homes they can trust.

Why Voluntary Certification Matters

Sober living homes exist in a space that’s both critical and uniquely vulnerable. They’re not medical facilities, but they play a vital role in recovery. They’re not treatment centers, but they provide structure, accountability, and support for people transitioning out of care.

That gray area is part of what has allowed bad actors to thrive — homes that operate without clear standards, transparency, or even basic safety protocols. These are often the places that exploit residents by:

• Offering “free” rent as a lure, only to raise prices later

• Skimping on staff or structure

• Allowing unsafe or chaotic living environments

• Exerting undue influence on clinical decisions based on occupancy needs

Licensing and regulation help address this on a broad level — but certification rewards homes that go beyond compliance, and it creates a positive incentive for quality.

What Is the NARR Standard?

The National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) has set the gold standard for sober living across the U.S. Their framework outlines four levels of recovery residences, from peer-run to clinically managed, and defines core principles like:

• Resident rights and responsibilities

• Drug- and alcohol-free environments

• Peer support and community engagement

• Recovery-focused structure and accountability

• Ethical operations and good governance

At Midway House of NJ, we’ve modeled our homes on these standards from day one — not because we had to, but because we believe recovery housing must be built on dignity, safety, and trust.

Certification as a Signal of Integrity

One of the biggest problems in the current recovery housing landscape is the lack of clarity. Families and referring providers are often left guessing — unsure of how a particular sober home is run, who owns it, what standards it follows, or what kind of support is available.

Voluntary certification solves this by:

• Identifying quality homes through an objective, standardized process

• Empowering providers to refer clients with greater confidence

• Giving residents and families peace of mind that they are entering a safe, ethical environment

• Encouraging continuous improvement within the recovery housing field

Most importantly, certification gives ethical providers a way to differentiate themselves from those who may be meeting only the bare minimum — or worse, operating below even that.

Midway House: Already Meeting Sober Living Standards

While A3230 is still making its way through the legislative process, Midway House of NJ is already aligned with the spirit and substance of the proposed certification program. We proudly uphold the principles laid out by NARR and similar organizations:

✅ Structured, recovery-oriented living environments

✅ Trained staff who understand the recovery process

✅ Clear rules and expectations that promote accountability

✅ Respect for resident rights, autonomy, and personal growth

✅ A transparent admissions process with no hidden costs or conditions

We believe recovery is a deeply personal journey — and that housing should support, not exploit, that process. That’s why we separate housing from treatment, and why we’ve never relied on “free rent” gimmicks, insurance entanglements, or aggressive referral tactics.

For us, ethics is the foundation, not an afterthought.

What Comes Next?

If passed, A3230 would allow New Jersey to take a national leadership role in defining what quality recovery housing looks like — not just through mandates, but through a culture of excellence.

And for treatment providers, it’s an opportunity to align with certified homes that share their commitment to long-term outcomes. Referring to a certified home reduces liability, builds trust with families, and increases the likelihood of sustained recovery.

As a recovery community, we all win when we raise the standard — not just because we have to, but because we want to.

Final Thoughts

Voluntary certification isn’t a burden — it’s a badge of honor. It tells residents, families, and referring providers: “We’re not here to profit off your pain. We’re here to walk alongside you toward something better.”

At Midway House of NJ, we’re proud to support legislation like A3230 and to stand among the homes that hold themselves to the highest ethical standards. We believe the future of sober living is not just regulated — it’s principled, transparent, and built on trust.

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Thank you for following our three-part series on Ethics in Sober Living and the Law. If you missed the first two articles, you can read them here:

• Ethics in Sober Living and the Law, Part 1

• Ethics in Sober Living and the Law, Part 2

Let us know if you’d like to learn more about Midway House of NJ — or explore partnership opportunities. We’re always happy to connect.