CA SB906

Requires the State Department of Health Care Services to establish a peer support specialist certification program by July 1, 2020, to standardize training, qualifications, and scope of practice for peer support specialists serving individuals with mental health or substance use disorder needs.

Specifies certification requirements including curriculum based on core competencies (recovery concepts, cultural competence, trauma-informed care, crisis planning, professional boundaries), training standards, a code of ethics, continuing education, and a complaint investigation process.

Establishes applicant requirements including being at least 18 years old, possessing a high school diploma, having lived experience with mental illness or substance use disorder recovery, completing training, passing an examination, and committing to a code of ethics.

Authorizes the department to establish certification fees, use Mental Health Services Act funding for administrative costs (subject to appropriation), and enter into contracts with qualified training entities and certifying bodies.

Requires the department to adopt formal regulations by July 1, 2022, and provide semiannual legislative status reports beginning July 1, 2019; specifies implementation for Medi-Cal services is contingent upon federal approval and matching funds.