Bill > HB657

This bill amends Georgia's mental health laws to establish comprehensive guidelines for recovery community organizations and certified peer specialists in substance use and mental health recovery services. The bill defines several key terms, including "certified peer specialist" with multiple designations (such as Certified Peer Specialist-Mental Health, Certified Peer Specialist-Addictive Disease, and others), "peer support services" (which encompass a wide range of assistance like recovery coaching, advocacy, and connection to resources), and "recovery community organization for substance use" (an independent nonprofit organization focused on supporting recovery). The legislation requires that peer specialists working in department services must be certified, with only the department able to certify individuals after they complete training. Recovery community organizations must meet specific criteria, including having a board majority composed of individuals in recovery, providing nonclinical peer support services, employing certified peer specialists, supporting all recovery pathways (including medication-assisted treatment), and being accountable to the recovery community. The bill also provides for the department to designate a state-wide recovery community organization to coordinate the network, subject to appropriations. This legislation aims to standardize and professionalize peer support services and recovery community organizations in Georgia.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70936