Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Rule R523-2

Adult Peer Support Specialist Training and Certification

Notice of Proposed Rule

(New Rule)

DAR File No.: 37009
Filed: 10/29/2012 02:52:36 PM

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

This rule identifies standards for certification of Peer Support Specialist (PSS) Training programs; the qualifications required of instructors for providing Peer Support Training; and the requirements to become a Peer Support Specialist.

Summary of the rule or change:

This new rule gives specific instruction on the following: 1) certification requirements for PSS training programs; 2) division oversight of program; 3) curriculum requirements for PSS training programs; 4) requirements to become a PSS; and 5) requirements to remain qualified as a PSS.

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

• Section 62A-15-402

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

It is anticipated that this Certified Peer Support Specialist training program will cost approximately $125,000 over a 12 to 18 month period, through funding that has already been appropriated.

local governments:

There will be no cost to local governments as a result of this program; local governments do not administer this program.

small businesses:

There will be no cost to small businesses as a result of this program; small businesses do not administer this program.

persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local governmental entities:

Persons seeking to become certified peer support specialists may have an initial training cost that is anticipated to be less than $50. There will be some scholarships available to the trainees. This cost will be offset by the new wages earned as a certified peer support specialist.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

Compliance cost for the certified peer support specialists may include the cost to maintain certification. It is anticipated that this will be less that $20 per year. This cost will be offset by the new wages earned as a certified peer support specialist.

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

This will provide additional options for substance use disorder and mental health treatment providers to provide recovery support services. Services will be funded or paid for by insurance and/or existing federal and state funding.

Palmer DePaulis, Executive Director

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Human Services
Substance Abuse and Mental Health
195 N 1950 W
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84116

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

• Julene Jones at the above address, by phone at 801-538-4521, by FAX at 801-538-3942, or by Internet E-mail at jhjones@utah.gov
• L Ray Winger at the above address, by phone at 801-538-4319, by FAX at 801-538-9892, or by Internet E-mail at raywinger@utah.gov

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

12/17/2012

This rule may become effective on:

12/24/2012

Authorized by:

Lana Stohl, Director

R523. Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health.

R523-2. Adult Peer Support Specialist Training and Certification.

R523-2-1. Purpose, Authority and Intent.

(1) Purpose. These rules prescribe standards for certification of Peer Support Specialist Training programs; the qualifications required of instructors for providing Peer Support Training; and the requirements to become an Adult Peer Support Specialist.

(2) Statutory Authority. These standards are promulgated by the Utah Department of Human Services through the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (hereinafter referred to as "Division") as authorized by Section 62A-15-402.

(3) Intent. The objective of the peer support specialist training is to establish training programs to certify individuals that have completed requisite training to work as substance use disorder and/or mental health peer support specialists.

 

R523-2-2. Definitions.

(1) "Adult Peer Support Specialist (PSS)" is an individual who has successfully completed an approved Adult Peer Support Specialist Training Program and for ongoing certification has met the requirements outlined in paragraph R523-2-9.

(2) "Approved Curriculum" means a curriculum which has been approved by the Division in accordance with these rules.

(3) "Certification" means that the Division verifies the individual has met the requirements outlined in this rule to be a peer support specialist and has completed the required training.

(4) "Director" means the Director of the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health.

(5) "Division" means the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health.

(6) "Peer Support Specialist Training Program" is an instructional series operated by an approved agency or organization which satisfies the standards established by the Division and is herein referred to as an "Adult Peer Support Specialist Training Program" .

(7) "Program Certificate" is a written authorization issued by the Division to the training entity which indicates that the Program has been found to be in compliance with these Division standards.

(8) "Recovery" is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.

 

R523-2-3. Certification Requirements for Peer Support Specialist Training Programs.

(1) An application for Program Certification will require that the program provide, among other things:

(a) Qualifications of individuals who will be providing the training.

(b) A curriculum that outlines no less than forty (40) hours of face-to-face instruction covering the curriculum requirements outlined in paragraph R523-2-5 for a PSS.

(c) A plan to ensure that instructors continue to meet reported qualifications and adhere to the approved curriculum.

(d) An agreement to maintain records of the individual's attendance and completion of all program requirements for at least seven years.

(e) An agreement to comply with all applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations.

(2) The Division Director has the authority to grant exceptions to any of the certification requirements.

 

R523-2-4. Division Oversight of Program.

(1) The Division may enter and survey the physical facility, program operation, review curriculum and interview staff to determine compliance with this rule or any applicable contract to provide such services.

(2) The PSS Training Program also agrees to allow representatives from the Division and from the local authorities as authorized by the Division to attend the classes held. Such visits may be announced or unannounced.

(3) The Division will establish an application process to review and approve applicants for the PSS Training Program. This process will:

(a) Develop and publish an application to be a PSS.

(b) Solicit input from stakeholders, Peer Support Specialists and other individuals on the review process.

(c) Establish further criteria for acceptance into the PSS program as needed.

 

R523-2-5. Curriculum requirements for Adult Peer Support Specialist Training Programs.

(1) This curriculum must provide at least forty (40) hours of instruction for original certification and twenty (20) hours for any and all re-certifications. The curriculum shall include the following components as they relate to the PSS's lived experience and recovery in order to assist in the identified client's recovery:

(a) Etiology of mental illness and substance use disorders;

(b) The stages of recovery from mental illness and substance use disorders;

(c) The relapse prevention process;

(d) Combating negative self-talk;

(e) The Role of Peer Support in the Recovery Process and Using Your Recovery Story as a Recovery Tool;

(f) Dynamics of Change;

(g) Strengthening the Peer Specialist's recovery;

(h) Ethics of Peer Support;

(i) Professional relationships, boundaries and limits;

(j) Scope of Peer Support;

(k) Cultural Competence: Self-Awareness - Cultural Identity;

(l) Stigma and Labeling;

(m) Community resources to support individuals in recovery;

(n) Assisting individuals in Accomplishing Recovery Goals;

(o) Coach, Mentor, and Role model recovery;

(p) Assist in identification of natural, formal and informal supports;

(q) Stress Management Techniques;

(r) Assisting individuals in reaching educational and vocational goals;

(s) Crisis prevention; and

(t) Assist with physical health and wellness.

(2) The curriculum must be strength based and include:

(a) Active listening and communication skills; and

(b) Basic motivational interviewing skills.

(3) The curriculum must include a strong emphasis on ethical behavior, dual relationships, scope of peer support and professional boundaries and should include case studies, role plays and experiential learning.

 

R523-2-7. Requirements to Become an Adult Peer Support Specialist.

(1) Be an individual who participated in substance abuse or mental health treatment services who is now in sustained recovery, or

(2) Be an individual in recovery from substance use or mental health disorders through means other than treatment services who is now in sustained recovery.

(3) Be at least 18 years of age.

(4) Complete the application process with the Division.

(5) Pass the qualification exam with score of 70% or above.

(6) Have attended and successfully completed a Division approved Peer Support Specialist training program and have a valid certificate from that training.

 

R523-2-9. Requirements to remain qualified as an Adult Peer Support Specialist.

(1) Complete at least twenty (20) hours of continuing education per year including two (2) hours of ethics training and six (6) hours pertaining specifically to Peer Support services.

(2) Provide proof to the Division of completing the required training on an annual basis.

 

KEY: peer support specialist, PSS program, certification of programs, substance use disorder

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: 2012

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 62A-15-402