As used in this chapter:
(1)“Certified peer support provider” means an individual who holds a certificate to engage in the practice of peer support services under this chapter.
(2)“Certified peer recovery support specialist” means an individual who holds a certificate to engage in the practice of recovery support services under this chapter.
(3)“Code of Ethics for Certified Peer Support Providers” means the code of ethics for certified peer support providers approved and adopted by the Department of Mental Health.
(4)“Code of Ethics for Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialists” means the code of ethics for certified peer recovery support specialists approved and adopted by the Department of Health.
(5)“Office” means the Office of Professional Regulation.
(6)“Peer support provider
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As used in this chapter:
(1) “Certified peer support provider” means an individual who holds a certificate to engage in the practice of peer support services under this chapter.
(2) “Certified peer recovery support specialist” means an individual who holds a certificate to engage in the practice of recovery support services under this chapter.
(3) “Code of Ethics for Certified Peer Support Providers” means the code of ethics for certified peer support providers approved and adopted by the Department of Mental Health.
(4) “Code of Ethics for Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialists” means the code of ethics for certified peer recovery support specialists approved and adopted by the Department of Health.
(5) “Office” means the Office of Professional Regulation.
(6) “Peer support provider credentialing body” means the entity authorized by the Department of Mental Health to, in addition to other duties:
(A) issue credentials to peer support providers to demonstrate that a peer support provider has met the qualifications for certification under the chapter; and
(B) approve acceptable continuing education courses.
(7) “Peer support” means the provision of those services that address mutually agreeable issues or areas of life consistent with the Code of Ethics for Certified Peer Support Providers that are reasonably related to increasing an individual’s capacity to live a self-determined life of their own choosing and that are provided in a mutual relationship between individuals with a lived experience of trauma, mental health, or substance use challenges. “Peer support” emphasizes a nonjudgmental, values-driven approach that promotes multiple perspectives, advocates for human rights and dignity, and focuses on genuine, mutual relationships that enrich the lives of those involved. “Peer support” includes providing health and wellness supports; supporting individuals in accessing community-based resources and navigating State and local systems; providing employment supports, including transitioning into and staying in the workforce; and promoting empowerment and a sense of hope through self-advocacy. “Peer support” does not include the provision of psychotherapy as defined in section 4082 of this title.
(8) “Practice of peer support” means the provision of peer support in a manner consistent with the Code of Ethics for Certified Peer Support Providers.
(9) “Practice of recovery support services” means the provision of recovery support services in a manner consistent with the Code of Ethics for Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialists.
(10) “Recovery support services” means a set of culturally competent, nonclinical, evidence-based activities provided consistent with the Code of Ethics for Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialists and coordinated through a written individualized recovery plan of care that documents a substance use disorder and reflects the need and preferences of the individual in achieving the specific, individualized, measurable goals specified in the plan. “Recovery support services” are provided in a mutual relationship by an individual with lived experience of either recovery from a substance use disorder or having a close relationship with an individual in recovery from a substance use disorder, and include a range of social and other services that facilitate recovery from substance use disorder, support health and wellness, and link individuals with service providers and other supports shown to improve quality of life for persons, and their families, in and seeking recovery from substance use. “Recovery support services” do not include the provision of psychotherapy as defined in section 4082 of this title.
(11) “Peer recovery support specialist credentialing body” means the entity authorized by the Department of Health to, in addition to other duties:
(A) issue credentials to peer recovery support specialists to demonstrate that a peer recovery support specialist has met qualifications for certification under this chapter; and
(B) approve acceptable continuing education courses. (Added 2023, No. 170 (Adj. Sess.), § 4, eff. July 1, 2025.)