Peer specialist use their lived experience and skills learned in training to help others achieve and maintain wellness from mental health disorders and/or substance use disorders. They support, mentor, advocate for help, and empathize with others. Peer specialists promote a sense of community among those in recovery and research has shown that peer support facilitates recovery while reducing health care costs. If we want to expand the peer workforce in the state of Florida, we must remove barriers that limit people ability to become a certified peer specialist.

The Current Law

Current background checks rules for Certified Recovery Peer Specialists in the sate of Florida require a level 2 background check. This includes fingerprinting, a state background check, and an FBI clearance. The disqualifying offenses are equal to what childcare providers are disqualified for. Most states require only a level 1!

This bill modifies the background check for peers working with adults down to a level 1 background check. This is standard in most states and allows more individuals with lived experience to become certified peer recovery support specialist without having barriers created with past criminal offenses.

Most importantly, nonviolent crimes will not disqualify someone. This includes most drug/possession charges.

More about the bill:

• providing that the use of peer specialists is an essential element of a coordinated system of care in recovery from a mental health disorders and/or substance use disorders
• revising background screening requirements for peer specialists that work with adults
• authorizing the department to certify peer specialists, either directly or by approving a third-party credentialing entity, etc.
• provides for reimbursement of recovery support services
• Removes 2 year requirement of working in the field for family members & people with lived experience who would like to become certified peers
• Removes 500 hours of volunteer on the job experience

The key improvements that this bill would create are:

• The modification of background checks for those otherwise qualified to serve as peer specialists
• Establishes Certified Recovery Peer Specialists as essential to the recovery-oriented system of care
• Expands the use of peer specialists as a cost-effective means of providing services
• Ensures that peer specialists meet specified qualifications and modified background screening
• Ensures CRPS are adequately reimbursed for their services, helping to expand and support a stable workforce

Let's all take action to support, expand and reduce barriers for peer support services. Please sign this petition urging Governor Ron DeSantis to sign SB 282 when it hits his desk!