Bill > HB209

This bill directs the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Department of Corrections (DOC) to create specific guidelines for hiring individuals as peer recovery specialists, even if they have past criminal convictions, for paid positions within their agencies. Peer recovery specialists are individuals with lived experience of addiction or mental health challenges who help others on their recovery journey. The new guidelines must ensure that hiring practices are no more restrictive than existing state law, specifically referencing § 37.2-314 of the Code of Virginia, which allows for exceptions to certain "barrier crimes" (crimes that would typically disqualify someone from employment in sensitive roles) for those hired to work in adult mental health or substance abuse treatment programs. This initiative is a recommendation from the Joint Commission on Health Care, aiming to expand opportunities for individuals in recovery to contribute to the field.

Health and Social Services

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB209