PEER Support Act

This legislation seeks to address critical behavioral health workforce shortages by strengthening the role and support for peer support specialists . It defines these specialists as individuals with lived experience of recovery from mental health conditions or substance use disorders, or as caregivers with lived experience, who are certified to provide support consistent with national practice guidelines. To professionalize the field, the bill mandates the Office of Management and Budget to include an occupational category for peer support specialists in the Standard Occupational Classification system by January 1, 2026. Furthermore, it establishes an Office of Recovery within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which will be headed by a Director with demonstrated lived experience in recovery. The Office of Recovery will provide leadership, technical assistance, and support for the training, integration, and professionalization of the peer support specialist workforce, including disseminating best practices and developing career pathways. The bill also requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Attorney General, to produce a report within one year. This report will research and recommend improvements to criminal background check processes for peer support specialists, surveying state laws and identifying ways to reduce barriers to their certification and practice.