CA SB803

Requires the State Department of Health Care Services to establish statewide certification requirements for peer support specialists by July 1, 2022, subject to necessary federal waivers or approvals.

Defines peer support specialists as individuals age 18 or older with lived experience of recovery from mental illness, substance use disorder, or both, who have completed required training and certification.

Mandates curriculum and core competencies including hope and recovery concepts, cultural competence, trauma-informed care, psychiatric rehabilitation, and professional ethics for all certified peer support specialists.

Authorizes counties to develop and administer peer support specialist certification programs, including fee schedules, subject to state department approval and oversight.

Directs the department to seek federal waivers to establish demonstration or pilot projects for peer support specialist services as a Medi-Cal provider type in participating counties that provide funding.