FL H1327

Establishes a certification program for "peer specialists" who use their lived experience with substance use disorders or mental illness to deliver behavioral health services, with preference given to certified peer specialists as trainers.

Requires peer specialists to undergo level 2 background screening including fingerprinting through the Department of Law Enforcement and Federal Bureau of Investigation, with consideration of specific felonies and offenses related to abuse, sexual misconduct, and fraud.

Authorizes the Department of Children and Families to certify peer specialists directly or through approved third-party credentialing entities, and allows reimbursement of peer specialist services through the department, behavioral health managing entities, or Medicaid program.

Permits individuals disqualified by background screening to request exemptions under s. 435.07, and grandfathers in all peer specialists holding valid credentials from department-approved entities as of July 1, 2018.

Specifies that peer specialist recovery support is an essential element of a coordinated behavioral health care system and directs the Agency for Health Care Administration to amend the state Medicaid plan with billing codes specific to peer specialist services.