(A) The department shall approve one credentialing entity within six months of the effective date of this article, for the purpose of developing and administering a voluntary certification program for organizations operating recovery housing and administrators of recovery housing. The department is authorized to suspend or revoke the approval of a credentialing entity if the department determines, in its sole discretion, that the credentialing entity has not followed the requirements of this article or protocols and guidance established by the department. In such circumstances, the department shall approve a successor credentialing entity on either an interim or permanent basis.(B) The department shall establish protocols and guidance requiring that the credentialing entity establish recovery housing certification requirements consistent with nationally recognized quality standards, such as the standards established by the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) or Oxford House. The department is authorized to amend such protocols and guidance from time to time as the department deems necessary.(C) The credentialing entity shall determine standards for recovery housing in consultation with the department. Different standards for different classifications or categories of recovery housing are permissible; however, at a minimum, standards for all classifications or categories must require recovery housing to:(1) have a clear mission and vision, with forthright legal and ethical codes, including the requirement to be financially honest with prospective residents;(2) be recovery-oriented and prohibit the use of alcohol or illicit drugs;(3) have a role for peers to staff and govern the housing;(4) permit and provide for access to all evidence-based recovery treatments including, but not limited to, medication assisted treatment;(5) have safeguards in place to uphold residents' rights;(6) assist residents in finding suitable employment; and(7) assist residents who desire to relocate upon completion of the recovery program with relocation assistance services.(D) The department shall publish a registry of the names of all certified recovery housing on its website. The registry must be updated at least every sixty days.Added by 2024 S.C. Acts, Act No. 160 (SB 445),s 1, eff. 5/20/2024.