This manual is recommended for highway design engineers, bridge engineers, safety engineers, researchers, hardware developers, crash test laboratories, and others concerned with safety features used in the highway environment. Products addressed in MASH include longitudinal barriers, transitions, end terminals, crash cushions, breakaway supports, truck mounted attenuators, and work zone traffic control devices. The crash performance is judged on structural adequacy, occupant risk, and vehicle trajectory. Oversight and enforcement of sober house compliance involve multiple stakeholders.
Effects on Providers
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 111, Section 127A, empowers the Department of Public Health to establish health and safety standards for residential facilities. This statute ensures sober houses maintain a habitable environment for residents. In Massachusetts, sober house certification is managed by the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH). As the state’s affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR), MASH ensures that sober living homes meet strict standards for Halfway house safety, support, and structure.
Sober House Certification in Massachusetts
- These facilities provide a structured, safe environment that fosters sobriety and personal growth.
- Policies and procedures that keep residents’ records secure, with access limited to authorized staff.
- 27.b Residents find and sustain relationships with one or more recovery mentors or mutual aid sponsors.
- Certification with MASH not only validates the quality of a sober home but also makes homes eligible for state-funded referrals and builds trust with residents and families.
Notably, MASH administers the Fire Sprinkler System Program (FSSP), which provides grants of up to $80,000 per home for the installation of fire sprinkler systems in MASH-certified sober homes. This program is essential for helping homes comply with state and local fire safety codes, thereby ensuring a safe living environment for residents. The process involves a thorough review of policies, procedures, and the living environment. Operators must demonstrate they provide a substance-free setting with regular drug testing, peer support meetings, and access to recovery resources. Certified homes must maintain proper documentation, ensuring transparency. This certification enhances credibility and provides residents with a safe, supportive environment.
State agencies and their vendors shall only be able to refer clients to certified sober homes.
Learn about NARR Recovery Residence Levels of Support, specifically Level II, which applies to the type of sober homes MASH certifies. Make sure your sober home operates in line with Level II support, as defined by NARR. Level II homes provide a structured peer environment without onsite clinical services. View our A2LA accreditation for a full scope of services. Transition (e.g. entry, phase movement and exit) rituals promote residents’ sense of belonging and confer progressive status and increasing opportunities within the recovery living environment and community.
Purpose and Impact on Healthcare Delivery
In Massachusetts, sober homes and recovery residences are different models for substance abuse recovery. Recovery residences — formerly known as halfway houses — are licensed residential treatment programs, while Massachusetts sober homes are peer-led and do not provide treatment. Sober homes provide mutual support, emphasize independent living skills, and depend on peer mash certification leadership.
MASH Certification
Massachusetts General Laws empower state agencies to regulate health and safety standards in residential settings. Although sober houses are not subject to the same licensing requirements as healthcare facilities, they must comply with local health codes and zoning regulations, ensuring a baseline of safety and habitability. As we say often at MASH, “Home is not a place. It is a feeling.” Our certified sober homes take pride in offering a home-like environment that supports recovery.
29.b Residents find and sustain relationships with one or more recovery mentors or mutual aid sponsors. Operator will attest that electrical, mechanical, and structural components of the property are functional and free of fire andsafety hazards. Policies and procedures for ongoing performance development of staff appropriate to staff roles and residencelevel.