Certification & Compliance Agreement | FARR | Florida Association of Recovery Residences

The Certification & Compliance Agreement is organized in accord with the NARR Core Principles, Quality Standards and Code of Ethics, FARR Certification & Compliance Protocols, the FARR Confidentiality Policy, as well as Florida Statute 397.487, as the same may be amended periodically. You may find the full text of each of these documents (and other relevant information) in our Document Library. All organizations applying for Certification by the Florida Association of Recovery Residences must read and positively attest to each of the following statements:

NARR Core Principle: Operate with Integrity

1

I attest and affirm that our organization is in compliance with NARR Quality Standards 01 through 05 in their entirety and will remain compliant with same.
I attest and affirm that the submission of this application for voluntary certification of compliance with NARR Quality Standards for Recovery Residences, NARR Code of Ethics and other criteria as specified by F.S 397.487 truthfully represents full disclosure of facts pertaining to ownership, management and staffing of all recovery residence locations operated by our program and that all policies, procedures, and protocols documented by this submission accurately describe the operational practices of our organization, management, staff and volunteers.
I attest and affirm that, should the FARR Certification Administrator, Compliance Administrator and/or Field Assessor request an opportunity to review, partially or in their entirety, financial records pertaining to the operation of the residence seeking voluntary certification for compliance verification purposes, the requested documents will be provided upon request without cost or delay.
I understand and agree that should it be assessed by the FARR Compliance Committee, in their sole determination, that this application does not truthfully and accurately represent full disclosure of facts and operational practices of our organization, sanctions will be applied without further recourse which may include immediate revocation of our organization’s Certificate of Compliance.

NARR Core Principle: Uphold Resident Rights

2

I understand and agree that should it be assessed by the FARR Compliance Committee, in their sole determination, that this application does not truthfully and accurately represent full disclosure of facts and operational practices of our organization, sanctions will be applied without further recourse which may include immediate revocation of our organization’s Certificate of Compliance.
I affirm and attest that our organization’s ownership, management, staff and volunteers uphold the rights of residents as referenced throughout NARR Quality Standards, NARR Code of Ethics and F.S 397.487, placing the rights of residents and the rights of the resident community chief among organizational priorities.
I attest and affirm that our organization does not subscribe to the “another head to fill a bed” intake philosophy and agree to screen applicants for residency, mindful of the needs and sensitivities of our priority population, to ensure our community is appropriate for the applicant and that the applicant is appropriate for our community
I attest and affirm to thoroughly orient new residents to our community, fully disclosing house rules and consequences, resident rights and responsibilities, phasing and discharge protocols, and all fees and financial commitments, billed directly or indirectly, for which the resident may potentially become legally accountable as a result of policies, procedures or protocols practiced in the operation of our program.

NARR Core Principle: Are Recovery Oriented

3

I attest and affirm that our organization is in compliance with NARR Quality Standards 10 and II in their entirety and will remain compliant with same.
I attest and affirm that our organization is a recovery-oriented housing provider rather than a “boarding house for persons who do not drink and/or use illicit drugs” and that we take deliberate and intentional steps to encourage and mentor resident participation in a self-directed recovery plan.

NARR Core Principle: Are Peer Staffed and Governed

4

I attest and affirm that our organization is in compliance with NARR Quality Standards 12 through 17 in their entirety and will remain compliant with same.
I attest and affirm that our organization values the resident voice and encourages peer leadership and accountability by nurturing a community culture that relies on and empowers peers to actively participate in community governance.

NARR Core Principle: Promote Health

5

I attest and affirm that our organization is in compliance with NARR Quality Standards 18 through 23 in their entirety and will remain compliant with same.
I attest and affirm that our organization is a transitional support program for persons in recovery from a substance use disorder and that our primary purpose is to deliver recovery-oriented housing that provides residents with encouragement and support to further develop recovery management skills and recovery capital.
I attest and affirm our organization’s appreciation and understanding that under state law, support levels I, II and III are prohibited from directly offering clinical services that require licensure. NARR Support level IV is required by state law to be appropriately licensed by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Substance Abuse to provide clinical services in accordance with F.S. Chapter 397 and DCF Rule 65D-30.

NARR Core Principle: Provide a Home

6

I attest and affirm that our organization is in compliance with NARR Quality Standards 24 through 26 in their entirety and will remain compliant with same.
I attest and affirm that our organization maintains an alcohol and drug-free environment by means of written policies and procedures that are consistent with federal and state law.
I attest and affirm that our organization represents a structured home-like environment by means of set parameters that promote accountability, consideration of others and peer support.
I attest and affirm that our organization maintains a recovery oriented home-like environment to protect the well-being of the residents, staff and community.

NARR Core Principle: Inspire Purpose

7

I attest and affirm that our organization is in compliance with NARR Quality Standard 27 in its entirety and will remain compliant with same.
I attest and affirm that our organization is operating a recovery oriented home with access to recovery programming both inside and outside of the recovery residence.
I attest and affirm that our organization provides resources for each resident’s individual recovery and promotes the individual responsibility of developing recovery capital through measures in compliance with NARR Quality Standard 27.

NARR Core Purpose: Cultivate Community

8

I attest and affirm that our organization is in compliance with NARR Quality Standards 28 through 30 in their entirety and will remain compliant; including at least 50% of the sub-standards associated with NARR Quality Standard 28.
I attest and affirm that our organization organizes routine meetings and/or activities that by definition promote a community environment functioning as a family.
I attest and affirm that our organization hosts social activities within the residence and/or within the broader recovery community that encourage and facilitate resident bonding and mutual recovery support.
I attest and affirm that the FARR Certification Administrator, Compliance Administrator and/or Field Assessor is granted advance permission to conduct unannounced resident and/or staff interviews at any time in accordance with Florida Statute 397.487[3]. Failure to comply with this provision may result in immediate suspension and/or revocation of our Certificate of Compliance.
I attest and affirm that our organization appreciates that residence staff promote recovery through informal and formal interactions with residents. Peers, including staff, model recovery principles in all interactions with other members of the community. Our organization attests that all relationships between residents and staff reflect ethical principles reflected in the Code of Ethics.

NARR Core Principle: Promote Recovery

9

I attest and affirm that our organization is in compliance with NARR Quality Standards 31 and 32 in their entirety and will remain compliant with same.
I attest and affirm that our organization appreciates that overcrowding can negatively impact the objectives sought through communal living and commits to provide a safe, dignified living environment to each of our residents that includes adequate storage for personal belongings, clean and fully functional bathrooms, kitchen and laundry facilities.
I attest and affirm that our organization fosters peer leadership within our community to model behaviors that promote orderliness and cleanliness by all residents at all times. Peers hold one another accountable to properly maintain the exterior and interior of the residence. Community pride is promoted and encouraged during scheduled house meetings.

NARR Core Principle: Promote Safety

10

I attest and affirm that our organization is in compliance with NARR Quality Standards 33 and 34 in their entirety and will remain compliant with same.
I attest and affirm that our organization periodically tests smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers to ensure they are in proper working order.
I attest and affirm that our organization periodically holds community emergency drills to ensure all residents and staff are familiar with emergency procedures as established in our policy and procedures.
I attest and affirm that our organization acknowledges that some community members may experience a recurrence of use (relapse) while residing in our location(s). Our organization has established, and the community is accountable to follow, a discharge protocol designed to achieve an outcome that protects the safety of both the community and the subject resident.
I attest and affirm that we understand that FARR encourages all residences to maintain Naloxone on site at each location and train staff in the proper administration of this life-saving measure in accordance with F.S. 381.88 – Emergency treatment for suspected opioid overdose.

NARR Core Principle: Are Good Neighbors

11

I attest and affirm that our organization is in compliance with NARR Quality Standards 35 through 37 in their entirety and will remain compliant with same.
I attest and affirm that every effort is taken to maintain the street appeal of our property consistent with other neighboring properties.
I attest and affirm that residents and staff are respectful of neighbor persons and property; making every reasonable effort to blend into the neighborhood.
I attest and affirm that our organization is mindful that residents not loiter, use language that may be offensive to others, create parking challenges or otherwise create traffic navigation issues within the neighborhood.
We acknowledge that FARR promotes Good Neighbor Standards, in part, by providing neighbors a conduit to file a formal grievance related to this core principle and that, should FARR receive a Good Neighbor grievance regarding our location(s), the Compliance Administrator may order a Field Audit to assess compliance/non-compliance in accordance with the Compliance Audit Protocol.

FARR Code of Ethics

12

I attest and affirm that our organization is in compliance with the FARR Code of Ethics in their entirety and will remain compliant with same.

F.S. 397.487 Voluntary Certification of Recovery Residences

13

I attest and affirm that our organization is in compliance with F.S.397.487 in its entirety and will remain compliant with same.

FARR Certification Protocols

14

I attest and affirm that I have read and agree to the terms within the FARR Certification Protocol in its entirety and I will sustain compliance thereto.

FARR Compliance Protocols

15

I attest and affirm that I have read and agree to the terms within the FARR Compliance Protocol in its entirety and I will sustain compliance thereto.

FARR Confidentiality Policy

16

I attest and affirm that I have read and agree to the terms within the FARR Confidentially Policy in its entirety and I will sustain compliance thereto.

Notice to Providers Who Seek Voluntary Certification Under F.S. 397.487

Providers seeking Voluntary Certification of Compliance with NARR Quality Standards and Code of Ethics and additional criteria specified under F.S 397.487, are advised that FARR Certification and Compliance Administrators are tasked with making recommendations of denial, suspension and/or revocation to the FARR Compliance Committee. In the event of unresolved events of non-compliance, this committee is vested by the FARR Board of Directors to sanction the provider, including but not limited to:

Dismissal of FARR Certification or Compliance Audit staff recommendation(s) for sanction(s).
Extension of additional thirty (30) day period during which the subject provider might achieve compliance.
Schedule a meeting with the Owner(s) and Recovery Residence Administrator(s) of Record to review the events of non-compliance before making their final determination.
Suspend certification for a period of no less than 90 days and order a full compliance audit of all locations operated by the subject provider; cost of $300.00 per location to be borne by provider.
Revoke certification based on FARR Compliance Committee assessment that the specified activities and/or practices represent non-compliance with NARR Standard, Code of Ethics and/or other criteria specified in F.S 397.487, which may include, but are not limited to:
- Filing a false and/or misleading application for Voluntary Certification with the Florida Association of Recovery Residences as per F.S 397.487. 8 (d) a credentialing entity shall revoke any Provider which evidences non-compliance with NARR Quality Standards Core Principle, Operates with Integrity. Standards 01-05.
- Provide residence to a registered sex offender as per non-compliance to NARR Quality Standards 08.01, 24.02 and F.S 397.487. 5(e)
- Sexual misconduct between provider staff and residents which evidences non-compliance with NARR Code of Ethics.
- Bullying, physical threats of violence and/or violent behaviors which evidences non-compliance with NARR Quality Standards 24.02, 26.00, 26.01 and Code of Ethics.
- Participation in act(s) of Patient Brokering as defined in F.S 817.505 and/or Insurance Fraud which evidences non-compliance with NARR Quality Standards 02.00 and Code of Ethics.
- Unresolved neighbor grievances deemed by the FARR Compliance Committee to be non-discriminatory and curable by the provider, evidencing non-compliance with NARR Quality Standards 36.00, 36.01, 36.02, 36.03 sand F.S 397.487 A good neighbor policy to address neighborhood concerns and complaints.
- Failure of provider to take consistent and demonstrable actions to adhere to their written policies and procedures as related to sustaining an alcohol and drug free community for residents which evidences non-compliance with NARR Quality Standards 25.00 , 25.01.A, 25.01.C and Code of Ethics and F.S 397.487 (a 2, 3)
- Failure of the Provider to follow their established protocol(s) to reasonably ensure the safety of all stakeholders when a resident is discharged as the result of a reoccurrence of use (relapses). This includes the safety of the resident, the safety of residence community and the safety of the surrounding neighborhood. The provider discharge protocol must be approved by the credentialing entity as a specific requirement of F.S. 397.487 (i) and must be presented at time of application for Voluntary Certification. Provider failure to implement the approved protocol evidences non-compliance with NARR Quality Standards 25.01, 26.01 and Code of Ethics.
- Failure of the Owner of Record to notify FARR Certification Staff in writing within seventy-two (72) hours regarding:
- Provider changes to approved policies, procedures and/or protocols
- Opening and/or closure of provider locations
- Changes to Ownership, Management and Staff
- Life-threatening events and/or deaths of current residents, whether on property or elsewhere
- Criminal charges alleging felony misconduct by any Owner, Manager or Staff
- Criminal charges alleging felony misconduct by a qualifying Recovery Residence Administrator
- Criminal charges alleging felony misconduct by a current resident
Constitutes an event of non-compliance and may result in suspension and/or revocation of the provider’s Certificate of Compliance.
Refer grievances filed by stakeholders to external agencies, as determined by the Compliance Audit Administrator, including, but not limited to:
- Department of Children and Families – Substance Abuse Licensure Division
- Florida Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement
- Local Law Enforcement
- Local Zoning Code Enforcement Departments

Representations and Indemnification

The undersigned represents and warrants that (a) they have the right and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform their respective obligations as herein provided, and (b) their officers, directors, employees and agents will comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, rules and regulations. The undersigned will indemnify, defend and save harmless FARR and its respective partners, trustees, beneficiaries, directors, officers, employees, affiliates and agents from and against any and all claims, loss, damage, liability, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), occasioned by, or arising out of directly or indirectly this Agreement or the breach by the undersigned of any representation or warranty contained in this Agreement, or any act or failure to act by the undersigned in compliance with this Agreement.

Relationship of the Parties

Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed in any manner to create any of the relationships of employer and employee, principal and agent, joint venturers or partners between FARR, on the one hand, and the undersigned, on the other.

Effect and Amendment

This Agreement shall be deemed to supersede and replace any previous documents, correspondence, conversations or other written or oral understandings between the parties hereto related to the subject matter hereof. No waiver by either party of any breach hereunder shall be deemed a waiver of any other breach. This Agreement cannot be assigned, altered, amended, changed or modified in any respect unless each such assignment, alteration, amendment, change or modification is agreed to in writing, signed and delivered by each party hereto. This Agreement shall become effective upon signature by you and acceptance by FARR.

Assignment

This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of you and FARR and their respective successors and assigns; provided, however, that no rights under this Agreement may be assigned by you without the prior written consent of FARR.

Choice of Law

This Agreement will be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Florida applicable to agreements executed and performed entirely within the State of Florida. Each party hereto submits to the jurisdiction of the state and federal courts in Palm Beach County, Florida for the purpose of resolving any dispute arising out of or resulting from this Agreement.

Headings

The headings of articles of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not be construed to be a substantive part of this Agreement.

Legal Entity*

DBA Name*

Name*

First Last

Title*

Are you a Certified Recovery Residence Administrator?*

Yes
No

I hereby attest and affirm that I have read and acknowledge the above statements, hold my organization to be in compliance with Certification Requirements and that I have the authority within my organization to do so.

Signature*

Date*

Email

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