Mental health services: peer support specialist certification., the official text

An act to amend Section 14045.15 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to Medi-Cal.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

Existing law establishes the Medi-Cal program, which is administered by the State Department of Health Care Services and under which qualified low-income persons receive health care benefits. The Medi-Cal program is, in part, governed and funded by federal Medicaid program provisions. Existing law establishes a schedule of benefits under the Medi-Cal program and provides for various services, including behavioral and mental health services that are rendered by Medi-Cal enrolled providers.
Existing law authorizes a county, or an agency representing the county, to develop a peer support specialist certification program, subject to department approval. Existing law imposes specified requirements on applicants for certification as a peer support specialist, including that the applicant be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent degree.
This bill would remove the requirement of possessing a high school diploma or equivalent degree from the requirements necessary for an applicant to receive certification.

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1.
Section 14045.15 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:
14045.15.
(a) To receive a certification under this article, an applicant shall meet all of the following requirements:
(1) Be at least 18 years of age.
(2) Be self-identified as having experience with the process of recovery from mental illness or substance use disorder either as a consumer of these services or as the parent or family member of the consumer.
(3) Be willing to share their experience.
(4) Have a strong dedication to recovery.
(5) Agree, in writing, to adhere to a code of ethics.
(6) Successfully complete the curriculum and training requirements for a peer support specialist.
(7) Pass a certification examination approved by the department for a peer support specialist.
(b) To maintain certification under this article, a certified peer support specialist shall meet both of the following requirements:
(1) Adhere to the code of ethics and biennially sign an affirmation.
(2) Complete any required continuing education, training, and recertification requirements.