“A bill to address the behavioral health workforce shortages through support for peer support specialists, and for other purposes.”
No CRS summary available for this bill.
This section defines a peer support specialist as an individual (1) with lived experience of recovery from a mental health condition or substance use disorder who specializes in supporting affected individuals, or with lived experience as a parent or caregiver of an affected individual who specializes in supporting families navigating related service systems; and (2) certified as qualified to furnish peer support services under a state-determined process or one deemed appropriate by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Peer support services must align with the National Practice Guidelines for Peer Supporters issued by the National Association of Peer Supporters (or successor) and incorporate the Core Competencies for Peer Workers in Behavioral Health Services of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
This section directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, not later than January 1, 2026, to revise the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system to include an occupational category for peer support specialists. (The SOC system classifies workers into occupational categories for federal labor statistics.)
This section establishes an Office of Recovery within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), headed by a director with demonstrated experience in, and lived experience with, mental health or substance use disorder recovery. The office's responsibilities include (1) providing leadership on new and emerging issues related to recovery support services; (2) supporting technical assistance, data analysis, and evaluation to help states, localities, territories, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations develop and expand access to such services; (3) supporting training, education, integration, and professionalization of the peer support specialist workforce; (4) disseminating best practices for peer support specialist training, certification, supervision, and practice; (5) supporting ongoing professional development and retention activities for peer support specialists; and (6) developing recommendations for peer support specialist career pathways. Beginning on the date of enactment, the office assumes all functions, personnel, assets, authorities, obligations, and liabilities of SAMHSA's preexisting Office of Recovery.
This section directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Attorney General, to develop a report on research and recommendations regarding criminal background check processes for peer support specialists (i.e., individuals with lived experience providing non-clinical support for mental health and substance use disorder recovery). The report must (1) summarize evidence-informed literature on the effectiveness of peer support specialists; (2) survey all state laws and regulations on background checks for such specialists—including analyses of disqualifying offenses, comparisons to Medicaid requirements, exemptions, and states that have amended relevant laws; and (3) provide recommendations to states on background check processes to reduce certification barriers. Not later than one year after enactment, the Secretary must post the report on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website and distribute it to state certification agencies, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Medicaid agencies, and state block grant agencies.