§ 3191. Definitions
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.)