This bill mandates the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to approve a credentialing entity within 120 days of enactment to create and manage a voluntary certification program for recovery residences and their administrators in New Jersey. Recovery residences are defined as sober living environments for individuals with substance use disorders, whether managed by professionals or peers. The credentialing entity will set requirements for certification and annual recertification, conduct inspections, and maintain a public website listing certified residences, ensuring alignment with standards from the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR). The bill also prohibits administrators and employees from advertising their facilities as certified without the necessary certifications, imposing civil penalties of up to $1,000 for violations.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that certifications for recovery residences and professional certifications for administrators are valid for one year, with the credentialing entity authorized to suspend or revoke these certifications for violations. It requires the entity to publish a list of certified recovery residences on its website 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.