Stakeholders urge caution as Ohio committee hears bill to add certificate‑of‑need and local inspections for recovery housing

Lawmakers heard extensive proponent and opponent testimony on House Bill 58, which would impose a certificate‑of‑need process, set new fees and inspection responsibilities, and transfer some complaint‑investigation duties to county alcohol, drug and mental health (ADAMH) boards for recovery housing residences.

Ohio Recovery Housing’s executive director, Danielle Gray, opened her testimony in opposition, saying, "Medicaid does not pay for recovery housing," and cautioning that the bill as drafted would create unintended consequences that could reduce access to housing for people in recovery. Gray described an existing state registry and credentialing process created after 2023’s HB 33, said the system has been certifying organizations since January, and urged the committee not to dismantle or duplicate the current oversight structure.

Why it matters: witnesses representing certified recovery‑housing operators, statewide advocacy groups and some people in long‑term recovery told the committee the state already has a functioning credentialing and complaint…