Peer Support Services

In September of 2020, Senate Bill (SB) 803 (Beall, Chapter 150, Statues of 2020) was chaptered, requiring DHCS to seek federal approval to establish Peer Specialist as a provider type and to provide distinct peer support services under the SMHS and DMC-ODS programs. While services provided by peers can currently be claimed under the provider type "other qualified provider" within the SMHS program, and recovery services provided by peers can be claimed within the DMC-ODS programs, DHCS is proposing to add peers as a unique provider type within specific reimbursable services and to allow counties to opt-in to provide this valuable resource. By July 1, 2021, DHCS will determine the peer certification standards in alignment with the provisions SB 803 (Beall, Chapter 150, Statutes of 2020), and in accordance within CMS' guidance, have the new benefit in place by January 1, 2022.

Timeline (Subject to Change)

2020
November	Disseminate BHIN 20-056 on funding sources currently available for Peer Support Services
2021
January	Peer Support Listening Session (see below for details)
March	Peer Support Listening Session (see below for details)
April	Behavioral Health - Stakeholder Advisory Committee Meeting
June - July	Disseminate initial BHIN on Peer Support Specialist Certification Program Standards
August - December	State technical assistance for Peer Support Specialist Certification Program Standards available to counties - more information to come
2022
January	Obtain federal approvals for Peer Support Services reimbursement

Announcements

Peer Providers and Federal Authorities

This document contains a preliminary approach to Peer Support Specialists in the SMHS and DMC-ODS programs. Comments on the preliminary approach will be accepted through Friday, January 29, 2020. Feedback may be submitted to the DHCS inbox: Peers@dhcs.ca.gov.

Peer Support Specialist Listening Session #1 - Friday, January 22, 2021, 10 a.m. - noon

Peer Support Specialist Listening Session #2 - Tuesday, March 2, 2021, 1 - 3 p.m.