Bill > HB1941

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for developing peer support specialist services for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) in Texas. The bill requires the Health and Human Services Commission to create rules establishing training, certification, and supervision requirements for IDD peer support specialists, defining the scope of their services, and ensuring they are distinct from other licensed professional services. The commission must create a diverse stakeholder work group to provide input on these rules, including representatives from various disability advocacy organizations, peer support specialists, and disability-focused agencies. The bill also amends existing Medicaid regulations to explicitly include peer support services for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The stakeholder work group will meet monthly and will be automatically dissolved once the rules are adopted. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and allows for federal waivers or authorizations to be obtained if needed for implementation. The goal is to create a structured, collaborative approach to providing peer support services that can help individuals with IDD receive more personalized and understanding care from specialists with similar lived experiences.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1941