HB 1109 Summary

• Amends Section 3-704 to allow persons accused of felony offenses to submit to risk, mental health, and substance abuse assessment after initial appearance rather than requiring submission prior to sentencing.

• Modifies Section 3-326 to expand peer recovery support specialist certification to include individuals employed by behavioral services providers certified by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, in addition to state employees.

• Restricts the use of "certified peer recovery support specialist" title to those employed by the state or contracting behavioral service providers, with certification limited to services within the employer's area of certification.

• Prohibits peer recovery support specialists from using titles associated with licensed professions (physician, psychologist, social worker, counselor, therapist, behavioral practitioner, or alcohol/drug counselor) unless separately licensed by appropriate authorities.

• Takes effect November 1, 2013.