Regulation of (Recovery) Sober Homes on Long Island Our vocal and passionate membership is keenly aware of the need for quality affordable housing for those afflicted with addictive diseases. We began addressing this issue back in 2000. Last year (2006) along with LICAN and the QCSC, we drafted of a set of quality standards for sober homes that we sent to OASAS. Estimates about the number of homes in Suffolk County vary greatly from 150-200 to upwards of 600. It is clear that several treatment provider networks represent the largest entities. During 2005 & 2006, in response to resident complaints LICAN initiated a pro-active campaign seeking to hold providers accountable. A major media focus ensued which eventually prompted OASAS to take action to protect vulnerable individuals in early recovery. LIRA supports the federal fair housing act, and believes strongly that some accountability/regulatory control over recovery homes is necessary. We helped to formulate and we support these two key proposals: (1)The implementation of regulatory standards that would provide oversight for the many treatment provider affiliated sober homes. LIRA originally suggested co-opting quality treatment providers (both for profit and non profit) in the drafting of quality standards and we were the broker who brought these different parties to the same negotiating table. The LIRA position is that regulations must be acceptable to the impacted providers and the community groups involved in the discussions. We support an increase in reimbursement rates to offset higher operational costs and we believe that additional capitol improvement funds should be made available for those willing participants. (2) The formulation of a voluntary association of sober home operators where private owner/operators can be urged to join in the spirit of quality care. Each member would pay dues and agree to operate their homes according to a set of quality standards. In addition each private member would agree to random unannounced inspections by a team of designated inspectors from LIRA/ QCSC/ LICAN or others. In exchange only the member participants would be “sanctioned” as quality homes. While government agencies may be prepared to take some action our concern remains that the protection of clients in early recovery will not be a priority from the government side. We expect that these entities will seek to identify the location of each house and demand local government involvement in approving any new homes. LIRA cannot support this approach, without built in protections for the identities and residence locations of individuals in early recovery. LIRA is in discussion with affiliates and colleagues on the development of a low cost training program to certify those operating private homes. We believe that a housing certification training course is a basic necessity for all seeking to operate or manage recovery homes on LI A sober housing bill for Suffolk County sponsored by Assemblywoman Ginny Fields was passed by the NY State Legislature in December 2006. It was rejected by the governor with some valid concerns. LIRA hopes to be part of the discussions aimed at improving the bill for the next session.