Reporting Requirements for Sober Living Homes

SUPRT (SAMHSA Unified Performance Reporting Tool)

Overview

SUPRT is SAMHSA's standardized data collection system that replaced the legacy GPRA tool. It became mandatory for eligible grantees on October 1, 2025.

Why SUPRT Exists:

• Consolidates the CSAT GPRA Client Outcome Measures Tool and the CMHS National Outcome Measures (NOMs) Tool into one streamlined system
• Reduces respondent burden (from ~40-minute GPRA interviews to shorter questionnaires)
• Improves data consistency across SAMHSA-funded programs
• Expands data collection to individuals as young as 11 years old (GPRA was limited to 18+)

SUPRT-A vs SUPRT-C Forms

SUPRT-A (Administrative)

• Completed by grantees/staff based on client records
• Does not require direct client participation
• Collects demographic, diagnostic, and service utilization data

SUPRT-C (Client or Caregiver)

• Completed directly by the client or their caregiver
• Collects information on:
  • Social drivers of health
  • Housing stability and type
  • Employment status
  • Education level
  • Transportation access
  • Hardship with basic needs

SUPRT-A Sections

• Section A: Record Management (Client ID, Site ID, assessment dates)
• Section B: Behavioral Health History
• Section C: Behavioral Health Screenings
• Section D: Behavioral Health Diagnosis
• Section E: Services Received (since previous assessment)
• Section F: Demographics

Key Required Fields:

• Client's month and year of birth (MM/YYYY) - Baseline only
• Client ID, Site ID, Grant ID
• First services date
• Date of assessment

Collection Timepoints

80% Follow-Up Requirement

SAMHSA requires a minimum 80% follow-up rate for grant compliance:

• Grantees should attempt 100% follow-up on all clients who received an intake interview
• The national target rate is 80%
• Only follow-ups completed within SAMHSA's designated window count toward this rate
• Clients who cannot be reached do not count toward the 80% target
• Deceased clients are excluded from calculations

Consequence: Failure to meet the 80% threshold may affect future funding decisions and grant compliance status.

How to Submit SUPRT Data

System: SPARS (SAMHSA Performance Accountability and Reporting System)

• Website: spars.samhsa.gov
• All data entry occurs through the SPARS web portal

Submission Requirements:

• Enter or upload data within 30 days of completing each assessment
• Data can be edited for 60 days after submission
• After 60 days, contact SPARS Help Desk for corrections

SPARS Help Desk:

• Phone: 1-800-685-7623 (toll-free)
• Email: SPARSHelpDesk@mathematica-mpr.com
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM ET

Common Challenges and Solutions

GPRA (Government Performance and Results Act) - Legacy

Historical Context

GPRA was enacted in 1993 to measure effectiveness of taxpayer-funded programs. For decades, SAMHSA grantees used the GPRA Client Outcome Measures Tool to collect and report performance data.

Why GPRA Was Replaced:

• Required lengthy ~40-minute interviews
• Limited to adults 18+
• Separate tools for CSAT and CMHS programs created inconsistency
• SUPRT offers reduced burden and improved data quality

Transition Guidance

Key Dates:

• August 30, 2025: GPRA data collection ended (no new enrollments)
• October 1, 2025: SUPRT became mandatory
• December 1, 2025: Final deadline for outstanding GPRA/NOMs records

For Programs Still Transitioning:

• Clients with GPRA baseline who need reassessment after October 1, 2025: Complete SUPRT-A only (SUPRT-C not required for these transitional cases)
• All closeouts after October 1, 2025: Use SUPRT-A closeout form regardless of which tool was used at baseline

HUD Reporting (Recovery Housing Program)

DRGR System Overview

The Disaster Recovery Grant Reporting (DRGR) System is HUD's web-based platform for:

• Accessing grant funds
• Reporting performance accomplishments
• Managing grant-funded activities

Recovery Housing Program (RHP) grantees use DRGR for all reporting requirements.

Required Metrics

Mandatory Outcome Reporting:

• Actual number of individuals assisted in each RHP activity
• Actual number of individuals who transitioned to permanent housing through RHP-assisted temporary housing

Annual Performance Report Content:

• Comparison of proposed vs. actual outcomes for each measure in the Action Plan
• Explanation of any goals/objectives not met
• Detailed fund usage information in DRGR

Annual Performance Report Requirements

Submission Deadline: Within 30 days following the end of each federal fiscal year (beginning with the year the grant agreement was executed)

HMIS Data Requirements

Many recovery housing programs operate within the Continuum of Care (CoC) system and may need to participate in HMIS (Homeless Management Information System).

What is HMIS:

• Local database system for collecting client-level data on housing and services
• Required by the HEARTH Act for CoC and ESG recipients
• Produces unduplicated counts of individuals experiencing homelessness

Note: Check with your local CoC to determine if HMIS participation is required for your program.

Outcomes Tracking Best Practices

Key Metrics Funders Want to See

1. Sobriety/Abstinence Rates

• Percent days abstinent from alcohol and drugs
• Positive drug test rates over time
• Relapse rates (structured environments typically achieve 40-60% lower relapse rates)

2. Length of Stay

• Initiation: 7-29 days
• Engagement: 30-179 days
• Retention: 180+ days
• Research shows 6+ months increases sobriety success to 70-80%; 12+ months to 85%+

3. Employment Outcomes

• Employment status at entry vs. discharge
• Monthly income changes
• Job placement rates
• Research: Oxford House residents showed 76% employment vs. 49% for standard care

4. Housing Stability

• Transition to permanent housing
• Housing status at follow-up intervals
• Days housed post-discharge

5. Recidivism

• Arrest rates during and after program
• Incarceration rates
• Legal system involvement
• Research: Oxford House residents showed 3% incarceration vs. 9% for comparison group

Data Collection Methods

At Intake:

• Comprehensive baseline assessment
• Multiple contact methods (phone, email, emergency contacts)
• Signed consent for follow-up contact
• Release of information forms

During Residency:

• Regular drug testing (random, routine, and suspicion-based)
• Weekly or monthly check-ins
• Progress notes
• House meeting attendance

Follow-Up Protocols

Follow-Up Success Strategies:

• Collect at least 3 contact methods at intake
• Update contact information regularly
• Incentivize follow-up participation (gift cards, etc.)
• Use text reminders before scheduled follow-ups
• Build follow-up expectation into initial residency agreement

Research-Backed Success Factors

• Houses affiliated with larger organizations show better outcomes
• Smaller facilities (10 or fewer residents) associated with higher employment
• 12-step oriented programs show greater likelihood of abstinence
• Requiring 30+ days abstinence prior to intake associated with lower arrest rates

State Reporting Requirements

Florida-Specific Requirements

Governing Statute: Florida Statute 397.487

Oversight Structure:

• Florida Association of Recovery Residences (FARR) is the state-designated credentialing entity
• FARR is the Florida affiliate of NARR
• Department of Children and Families (DCF) provides administrative oversight

Reporting/Compliance Requirements:

• After onsite assessment, FARR submits compliance report
• Corrective Action Plan required within 30 days if issues identified
• Compliance audits conducted without notice
• Background screening evidence uploaded via FARR Portal
• Renewal initiated 90 days before expiration

Enforcement:

• Since June 30, 2019: Rehab centers face fines for referring to uncertified homes
• Criminal penalties for patient brokering (up to $500,000 fine, potential first-degree felony)
• Providers must report concerns to local law enforcement

Common State Requirements Patterns

General Pattern:

• Most states have limited or no regulation of sober living homes
• Federal Fair Housing Act protections apply nationwide
• NARR affiliates exist in most states but certification is typically voluntary
• Trend toward more oversight, especially for programs receiving public funding

Documentation Best Practices

Essential Records to Maintain

Resident Records:

• Original residency agreement (signed)
• Date orientation was received
• Drug/alcohol test results (date, test type, result)
• Consent forms
• Progress notes
• Incident reports

Policy Documentation:

• House rules with revision dates
• Drug testing protocol
• Disciplinary procedures
• Staff training logs
• Vendor agreements

Financial Records:

• Rent payments
• Fee schedules
• Grant expenditure documentation
• Supporting documentation for all reported outcomes

Drug Testing Documentation

Required Elements:

• Test date
• Test type (urine, breathalyzer, oral fluid)
• Test result
• Who administered the test
• Chain of custody (if applicable)

Confidentiality Requirements

• Records must not be accessible to residents or unauthorized persons
• Drug test results shared only with: resident, designated therapist, house manager
• Maintain audit trail of who accessed records
• For programs handling SUD records: 42 CFR Part 2 requirements apply

Quick Reference: Reporting Deadlines