Description: The health care authority (HCA) intends to submit SPA 25-0001 in order to comply with 2SSB 5555 (chapter 469, Laws of 2023), establishing the profession of certified peer specialists, which includes certified peer specialist trainees. A certified peer specialist is an individual who has self-identified as in recovery from mental health or behavioral health experiences/challenges and/or is the parent or legal guardian of a person who has applied for, is eligible for, or has received mental health or behavioral health services; has successfully completed HCA's and the department of health's (DOH) required training and testing; and is credentialed by DOH.

Certified peer specialists provide interventions through the use of shared experiences to assist a client in the acquisition and exercise of skills needed to support the client's recovery.

Currently, certified peer counselors working under an agency-affiliated registration are limited to providing peer services only in community behavioral health agencies. SPA 25-0001 will allow certified peer specialists and trainees to provide and bill for peer services provided in other settings. Note: Effective January 1, 2027, a person who is registered as an agency-affiliated counselor who engages in the practice of peer support services must hold a certificate as a certified peer specialist or certified peer specialist trainee.

SPA 25-0001 is expected to increase the annual aggregate expenditures/reimbursement/payment for peer services by up to approximately $267,467.

SPA 25-0001 is in the development process; therefore, a copy is not yet available for review. HCA would appreciate any input or concerns regarding this SPA. To request a copy when it becomes available or submit comments, please contact the person named below by December 27, 2024 (please note that all comments are subject to public review and disclosure, as are the names of those who comment).

Contact: Shelly Shore, Peer Support Program Supervisor, 628 8th Avenue S.E., Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-643-6931, TRS 711, email shelly.shore@hca.wa.gov.