Bill > S1329

This bill, known as the PEER Support Act (Providing Empathetic and Effective Recovery Support Act), addresses behavioral health workforce shortages by establishing a comprehensive framework for peer support specialists. The bill defines a peer support specialist as an individual with lived experience of mental health or substance use disorder recovery, or as a caregiver of someone with such conditions, who is certified by their state to provide support services. It mandates the Office of Management and Budget to create a specific occupational category for peer support specialists by January 2026 and establishes an Office of Recovery within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This new office will be led by a director with personal recovery experience and will focus on supporting peer support specialists through leadership, technical assistance, training, professional development, and creating career pathways. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct research and develop recommendations on criminal background check processes for peer support specialists, including a comprehensive survey of state laws, an analysis of existing background check requirements, and recommendations to reduce barriers to certification. The goal is to recognize, support, and professionalize the peer support specialist workforce while improving mental health and substance use disorder recovery services.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1329/all-info