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256B.0615 MENTAL HEALTH CERTIFIED PEER SPECIALIST.

Subdivision 1.Scope.

Medical assistance covers mental health certified peers specialists services, as established in subdivision 2, subject to federal approval, if provided to recipients who are eligible for services under sections 256B.0622, 256B.0623, and 256B.0624 and are provided by a certified peer specialist who has completed the training under subdivision 5.

Subd. 2.Establishment.

The commissioner of human services shall establish a certified peer specialists program model, which:

(1) provides nonclinical peer support counseling by certified peer specialists;

(2) provides a part of a wraparound continuum of services in conjunction with other community mental health services;

(3) is individualized to the consumer; and

(4) promotes socialization, recovery, self-sufficiency, self-advocacy, development of natural supports, and maintenance of skills learned in other support services.

Subd. 3.Eligibility.

Peer support services may be made available to consumers of (1) the intensive rehabilitative mental health services under section 256B.0622; (2) adult rehabilitative mental health services under section 256B.0623; and (3) crisis stabilization services under section 256B.0624.

Subd. 4.Peer support specialist program providers.

The commissioner shall develop a process to certify peer support specialist programs, in accordance with the federal guidelines, in order for the program to bill for reimbursable services. Peer support programs may be freestanding or within existing mental health community provider centers.

Subd. 5.Certified peer specialist training and certification.

The commissioner of human services shall develop a training and certification process for certified peer specialists, who must be at least 21 years of age and have a high school diploma or its equivalent. The candidates must have had a primary diagnosis of mental illness, be a current or former consumer of mental health services, and must demonstrate leadership and advocacy skills and a strong dedication to recovery. The training curriculum must teach participating consumers specific skills relevant to providing peer support to other consumers. In addition to initial training and certification, the commissioner shall develop ongoing continuing educational workshops on pertinent issues related to peer support counseling.

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes