HB21-1021 Summary

• Establishes a framework for "recovery support services organizations" led by peer professionals who have experienced mental health disorders, substance use disorders, or trauma to provide recovery-focused services and support.

• Requires the State Department to develop approval procedures by July 1, 2022 for recovery support services organizations, which must employ licensed mental health providers for supervision and peer support professionals with formal training in core competencies.

• Creates the Peer Support Professional Workforce Cash Fund to support the program through appropriations, grants, donations, and fees charged to approved organizations.

• Authorizes the Colorado Medicaid program to reimburse peer support professional services provided through approved recovery support services organizations, subject to federal approval.

• Amends multiple statutes to include "recovery services" alongside substance use disorder treatment services in state behavioral health programs and contracts.

• Appropriates $28,654 for fiscal year 2021-22 to the Department of Human Services to implement the law, with 0.3 additional FTE for administration.