Sec. 502. Report on best practices for peer-support specialist programs, training, and certification
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/bill/114/hr/4435/ih/section-502A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Congress and make publicly available a report on best practices and professional standards in States for— establishing and operating health care programs using peer-support specialists; and training and certifying peer-support specialists. In this subsection, the term peer-support specialist means an individual who— uses his or her lived experience of recovery from mental illness or substance abuse, plus skills learned in formal training, to facilitate support groups, and to work on a one-on-one basis, with individuals with a serious mental illness or a substance use disorder; has benefited or is benefiting from mental health or substance use treatment services or supports; provides non-medical services; and performs services only within his or her area of training, expertise, competence, or scope of practice.
The report under this section shall include information on best practices and standards with regard to the following: Hours of formal work or volunteer experience related to mental health and substance use issues. Types of peer support specialists used by different health care programs. Types of peer specialist exams required. Code of ethics. Additional training required prior to certification, including in areas such as— ethics; scope of practice; crisis intervention; State confidentiality laws;
Federal privacy protections, including under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996; and other areas as determined by the Secretary. Requirements to explain what, where, when, and how to accurately complete all required documentation activities. Required or recommended skill sets, such as knowledge of— risk indicators, including individual stressors, triggers, and indicators of escalating symptoms; basic de-escalation techniques; basic suicide prevention concepts and techniques; indicators that the consumer may be experiencing abuse or neglect; stages of change or recovery; the typical process that should be followed to access or participate in community mental health and related services; and circumstances when it is appropriate to request assistance from other professionals to help meet the consumer’s recovery goals.
Requirements for continuing education.