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.
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions on Peer Support Specialists
BHIN 20-056 Peer Support Services: Available Funding Sources
Senate Bill 803: Mental Health Services: Peer Support Specialist Certification
Contact Us
Questions and comments may be submitted by email to Peers@dhcs.ca.gov.
This inbox is targeted to questions and comments related to the implementation of SB 803. For general inquiries regarding existing peer support services, trainings, or other resources please contact your local county mental health plan.
