This bill mandates the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to approve a credentialing entity within 120 days to create and manage a voluntary certification program for recovery residences and their administrators in New Jersey. Recovery residences, which provide sober living environments for individuals with substance use disorders, must be managed by certified administrators or be peer-managed to qualify for certification. The credentialing entity will set requirements for certification and annual recertification, conduct inspections, and maintain a public website listing certified residences, aligning with standards from the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR). The bill also imposes civil penalties for misrepresentation of certification and requires the DCA to allocate funds for the credentialing entity's operations.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that certifications for recovery residences and administrators are valid for one year, with the credentialing entity authorized to suspend or revoke certifications for violations. It requires the publication of a list of certified recovery residences within 180 days of the program's start, ensuring the privacy of residents is protected. The bill clarifies that certified recovery residences are not classified as health care or substance use disorder treatment facilities and are exempt from the Rooming and Boarding House Act, while uncertified residences remain subject to existing regulations. This comprehensive framework aims to improve the quality and accountability of recovery residences in New Jersey.