MS HB570

Expands the definition of "certified peer support member" to include current or retired law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency communications workers, civilian employees of first responders, and emergency medical technicians who have received critical incident stress management training and certification.

Extends peer support privilege protection to "participating emergency service responders" in addition to certified peer support members, allowing either party to refuse to disclose communications made during peer support events without consent.

Requires retired members seeking privilege protection to have retired in good standing and be receiving retirement benefits.

Specifies that privilege does not apply when: the peer support member was involved in the incident, a communication reveals intent to commit a crime or cause harm requiring disclosure to prevent imminent danger, or when a crime has been committed and divulged.

Establishes criminal penalties of up to $500 fine and/or up to 6 months in county jail for anyone who discloses privileged communications or intimidates parties into disclosing them; effective July 1, 2014.