Unaccredited Recovery Housing to Cease Operation in Portsmouth

COLUMBUS – State Representative Justin Pizzulli (R-Scioto County) today announced that the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health recently requested a preliminary injunction against an unaccredited recovery housing operator—STEP Wellness—for noncompliance with state laws. 

Seven recovery housing residences listed in the Department’s requested injunction have been operating in Portsmouth without proper accreditation, a first-degree misdemeanor under Ohio law. The Scioto County Court of Common Pleas has now issued an order to stop the locations from operating.

“My constituents deserve to know that regulated providers in the community are following the law,” said Pizzulli. “I call on authorities to ensure this matter is fully investigated and enforce the law against operators who believe they can cheat the system and put Ohioans at risk.”

Additionally, Pizzulli is championing legislative efforts—House Bill 58—at the Statehouse to address unregulated recovery housing in Ohio, establishing effective oversight and ensuring a fair distribution of services statewide.