NY A06037

Establishes a peer support program in the mental hygiene law where veterans provide peer-to-peer counseling to other veterans for mental illness, alcohol abuse, substance abuse, and chemical dependence

Requires the Commissioner of Mental Hygiene, in consultation with the commissioners of addiction services and supports and veterans' services, to develop recommended minimum qualifications for veteran peer counselors

Qualifications may include approved courses of study, on-the-job experience in mental health or substance abuse counseling, or credentials consistent with federal VA peer specialist requirements under 38 U.S.C. § 7402(b)(13)

Mandates the commissioner to publicly disseminate qualification standards and establish procedures to connect veteran peer counselors with training and development opportunities

Clarifies that professional licensing or credentials are not required to serve as a veteran peer counselor, and local eligibility criteria remain unaffected