VA SB608

Directs the Virginia Department of Health and Virginia Department of Corrections to develop guidelines for hiring peer recovery specialists who have previous criminal convictions

Guidelines must clarify employment requirements for specific programs and positions operated by both departments

Hiring standards must be no more restrictive than existing exceptions under § 37.2-314 of the Code of Virginia, which allows barrier crime exceptions for adult mental health and substance abuse treatment programs

Applies specifically to compensated (paid) employment positions for peer recovery specialists