FL S0282

Establishes peer specialists as an essential element of coordinated mental health and substance use disorder care systems in Florida.

Revises background screening requirements for peer specialists to use modified standards under s. 397.417(4) instead of level 2 screening, allowing individuals with criminal histories to be considered for exemptions.

Requires Department of Children and Families to designate managing entities to conduct or contract for peer specialist training approved by third-party credentialing entities, with preference given to certified peer specialists as trainers.

Specifies that peer specialists must be in recovery for 2 years or be family members/caregivers, undergo fingerprint-based background screening, and meet disqualifying offense criteria; allows exemption requests under s. 435.07 for those with criminal histories.

Extends the timeframe for individuals with disqualifying offenses to work under supervision from 90 days to 180 days while awaiting exemption determinations; grandfathers in peer specialists certified before July 1, 2022.