NC H732

Establishes the North Carolina Peer Support Specialist Certification Oversight Board consisting of 11 members appointed by the Governor, legislative leaders, and county commissioners, with at least 5 years of peer support experience required.

Creates certification requirements for peer support specialists including being 18+ years old, having lived experience with mental illness or substance use disorders, one year of recovery, completion of Board-approved training, high school diploma, and two letters of reference.

Board has authority to deny, issue, suspend, revoke, and renew certifications; conduct investigations; develop curricula standards; maintain complaint system; and submit annual reports to the Department of Health and Human Services.

Sets certification fees including $225 for application, $40 processing, $200 examination, and $150 renewal; allows Board to assess civil penalties up to $100 for violations and costs of disciplinary actions.

Exempts unlicensed peer-to-peer support, licensed professionals, clergy, and 12-step programs from certification requirements; prohibits individuals from claiming certification without current credentials; becomes effective October 1, 2023.