16 Del. C. §§ 2201A, 2206A, 2212A § 2201A
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this chapter: (1) “Applicant” means any individual, organization, or entity applying for certification of a recovery house. (2) “Certified recovery house” means a recovery house certified by the certifying organization. (3) “Certifying organization” means an organization under contract with or otherwise designated by the Division to certify recovery houses under this chapter. (4) “Director” means the Director of the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. (5) “Division” means the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. (6) “Fund” means the Certified Recovery House Fund established under § 2216A of this title. (7) “Operator” means the owner or lessee of a recovery house. (8) “Oxford House” means a recovery house chartered by Oxford House, Inc. (9) “Recovery house” means a house for individuals recovering from substance use disorders that provides a safe and supportive substance-free environment, which may include peer support and other recovery support services. (10) “Registry” means the list of certified recovery houses the certifying organization maintains. (11) “Resident” means an individual who resides in a recovery house. (12) “Substance-free” means free from alcohol, marijuana, illicit drugs, and the illicit use of prescribed drugs. (13) “Substance use disorder” means a pattern of use of alcohol or other drugs leading to impairment that meets the applicable diagnostic criteria delineated in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association.
Sections 2201A, 2206A, and 2212A of Title 16 of the Delaware Code establish the foundational vocabulary for the state's recovery house certification framework. Key terms defined include 'recovery house' (a substance-free residential setting for people recovering from substance use disorders), 'certified recovery house' (one that has received certification through a designated certifying organization), and 'operator' (the owner or lessee responsible for such a house). These definitions govern how all other provisions in the chapter are interpreted and applied, setting the boundaries for who and what falls under the law's scope.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under 16 Del. C. §§ 2201A, 2206A, and 2212A, an individual who owns or leases a recovery house is classified as an 'operator' and is subject to the chapter's certification and regulatory requirements. Compliant operators generally ensure their property meets the definition of a 'recovery house'—a safe, supportive, substance-free environment for residents recovering from substance use disorders—and pursue certification through the designated certifying organization. Understanding these defined terms helps operators accurately assess whether their property and activities fall within the chapter's regulatory framework.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
For individuals residing in a recovery house, 16 Del. C. §§ 2201A, 2206A, and 2212A establish that a 'resident' is any person living in such a house, and that a qualifying recovery house must provide a safe, supportive, and substance-free environment. The definition of 'certified recovery house' and the existence of a Registry maintained by the certifying organization mean residents can look into whether a particular house holds official certification. Those with questions about their rights or a house's certification status may consult the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health or a tenant-rights organization familiar with recovery housing regulations.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 22, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
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