Johnson Commends DeWine Recovery Housing Executive Order

COLUMBUS—On Monday, August 10th, Governor Mike DeWine held a press conference announcing Executive Order 2026-03D, which places the certification of recovery housing providers under the authority of the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health.

Governor DeWine was joined by Senator Terry Johnson (R-McDermott), State Representative Justin Pizzulli (R-Scioto County), Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson, and Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) Director Tia Marcel Moretti.

"I have never met a single person who hasn't wanted to see someone recover from drug addiction," said Senator Johnson. "Yet Scioto County is bearing much of that burden for the state, and that is difficult for many in our community to reconcile, to the point where there has even been backlash against those trying to get well. This executive order addresses these bad actors in recovery housing. It is my hope that this order will relieve some of the burden. Legislation moves slowly, but the people want a solution now."

Recovery housing offers a substance-free living environment for addicts, allowing them to develop healthy routines and life skills while receiving support from their peers.

"I would like to commend Governor DeWine for his longstanding commitment to addressing the scourge of the addiction crisis here in Ohio," added Senator Johnson. "What we do here in government must represent our best possible effort to help those affected by the addiction crisis."

As part of the executive order, DBH will implement a centralized, state-administered certification program with higher-quality standards for certification. DBH will also have direct authority to receive complaints, investigate potential issues, and enforce compliance at these homes. 

Under the new oversight structure, the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health will:

• Administer certification for recovery housing operators statewide;
• Establish and maintain higher, consistent statewide standards;
• Strengthen monitoring and compliance;
• Improve transparency and accountability; and
• Enhance protections for residents while supporting long-term recovery outcomes.

Additional guidance is available through the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health.

Watch the full press conference here. 

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