PEER Support Act

The Providing Empathetic and Effective Recovery Support Act, or PEER Support Act, seeks to bolster the behavioral health workforce by strengthening the peer support specialist profession. It formally defines a peer support specialist as an individual with lived experience in mental health or substance use disorder recovery, or a caregiver, who is certified to provide support services consistent with national guidelines. This foundational definition aims to standardize the role across the healthcare landscape. To further professionalize this workforce, the bill mandates that the Office of Management and Budget revise the Standard Occupational Classification system by January 1, 2026, to include a distinct occupational category for peer support specialists. Furthermore, it establishes an Office of Recovery within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), to be led by a Director with lived experience in recovery. This office will play a crucial role in providing leadership, technical assistance, and support for the training, integration, and professional development of the peer support specialist workforce. A key provision also directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Attorney General, to develop a comprehensive report on criminal background check processes for peer support specialists. This report will survey existing state laws, analyze specific criminal offenses that create barriers to certification and practice, and review any exemptions. Ultimately, the report will provide recommendations to states on how to modify these processes to reduce barriers for individuals seeking to become certified peer support specialists, thereby expanding the available workforce.