Mental Health Services – Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Program
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. DHCS has determined the peer certification standards are in alignment with the provisions SB 803 (Beall, Chapter 150, Statutes of 2020), and in accordance with CMS’ guidance will have the new benefit in place by the end of 2022.
Get current information regarding the timeline of the implementation of SB803 via California Department of Health Care Services