Standards
All of the homes in the MASH network have been inspected and received a passing grade for a set of standards we insist members uphold in their homes. These standards are outlined here.
-
Interconnected smoke detectors in every sleeping room, hallway, and smoking area
At least one smoke detector on each level of the home
A fire extinguisher near any stoves
A minimum of two exits on each floor
The property address is clearly displayed on the front of the home (and back if near alleys)
Smoking is prohibited in hazardous areas
Appropriate disposal containers for smoking materials
No extension cords, power outlets, or stored materials that would create a fire hazard
The home follows local building and safety codes
Evacuation maps and procedures are posted in the home
A fire drill takes place every 6 months
-
There are no signs of pest infestations
Kitchen and appliances are clean and well maintained
There is at least 1 refrigerator for every 7 residents
Refrigerators are kept between 36°F-44°F with freezers at approximately 0°F
Adequate and clean food storage space
Bathrooms are clean and orderly
A minimum of 1 bathroom for every 6 residents
Laundry services are accessible to all residents
Furniture and furnishings are clean and of reasonable quality
Sleeping rooms provide all residents with adequate space
-
Management and staff have completed a house management seminar
Clear acceptance criteria for all applicants
All residents have signed a resident agreement
Clear rules are in place for important issues
Residents have a role in the management of the home
Management does not provide treatment services as defined by state licensing
Management and staff have signed a code of ethics agreement
The home and grounds meet or exceed the quality of the neighborhood
The residence feels like a home rather than a clinical setting
The MASH Resident Bill of Rights is is made available to residents
A list of local community resources is made available to residents
MASH Code of Ethics
All persons working in a MASH Accredited Recovery Residences are expected to comply and adhere to the following Code of Ethics: It is the obligation of all recovery residence owners, operators, and staff to value and respect each resident and to put each individual’s recovery and needs at the forefront of all decision making. To uphold this obligation, we adhere to the following principles:
1. Assess each potential resident’s strengths and needs, and determine whether the level of support available within the residence is appropriate. Provide assistance to the residents with appropriate referrals.
2. Value diversity and non-discrimination.
3. Provide a safe, homelike environment that meets NARR Standards.
4. Maintain an alcohol and illicit drug-free environment.
5. Honor individuals’ rights to choose their recovery paths within the parameters defined by the residence organization.
6. Protect the privacy, confidentiality, and personal rights of each resident
7. Provide consistent and uniformly applied rules.
8. Provide for the health, safety, and welfare of each resident.
9. Address each resident fairly in all situations.
10. Encourage residents to sustain relationships with professionals, recovery support service providers, and allies.
11. Take appropriate action to stop intimidation, bullying, sexual harassment, and/or otherwise threatening behavior of residents, staff, and visitors within the residence.
12. Take appropriate action to stop retribution, intimidation, and any negative consequences that could occur as the result of a grievance or complaint.
13. Provide consistent, fair practices for drug testing that promote the resident's recovery and the health and safety of the recovery environment.
14. Provide an environment in which each resident's recovery needs are the primary factors in all decision-making.
15. Promote the residence with marketing and advertising that is supported by accurate, open, and honest claims.
16. Decline taking a primary role in the recovery plans of relatives, close friends, and/or business acquaintances.
17. Sustain transparency in operational and financial decisions.
18. Maintain clear personal and professional boundaries.
19. Operate within the residence’s scope of service and within professional training and credentials.
20. Maintain an environment that promotes the peace and safety of the surrounding neighborhood and the community at large.
If a sober home owner or manager is found to have violated any of the above code of ethics of the Minnesota Association of Sober Homes, after receiving appropriate notice and an opportunity to be heard, such violation may subject the membership of the individual to review or penalties. These penalties may include, but are not limited to: public reprimand, suspension, or revocation of certification. This action does not curtail any of the other rights and remedies of the parties to redress, nor shall a determination of a violation rise to the level of proof as if the matter were heard in a court of competent jurisdiction.