FL S0450

Defines "peer specialist" as a person in recovery from substance use disorder or mental illness for 2+ years, or a family member/caregiver of someone with these conditions, who obtains certification under the bill.

Requires peer specialists to complete background screening (including fingerprinting and criminal history checks), training program, and pass a competency exam to become certified.

Specifies disqualifying offenses for peer specialists, including felonies within 3 years, and crimes related to sexual misconduct, abuse, drug trafficking, and violence; allows exemption requests through established procedures.

Authorizes reimbursement for peer specialist services as recovery services through the Department of Children and Families, behavioral health managing entities, or Medicaid; encourages Medicaid managed care plans to use peer specialists.

Requires the Department of Children and Families to develop a peer specialist training program based on current practice standards, preferring certified peer specialists as trainers, and allows certification directly or through a designated nonprofit organization.