HR2741-119

What This Bill Does

The PEER Support Act professionalizes the peer support specialist workforce. It defines peer support specialists as people with lived experience of recovery from mental health conditions or substance use disorders, or lived experience as parents or caregivers, who support individuals or families navigating those systems and are certified under a State or HHS-approved process. Services must align with National Association of Peer Supporters practice guidelines and SAMHSA core competencies. OMB must add peer support specialists to the Standard Occupational Classification system by January 1, 2026. The bill establishes an Office of Recovery in SAMHSA, led by a Director with demonstrated and lived recovery experience, to support technical assistance, data analysis, evaluation, workforce training, professionalization, best practices, ongoing development, retention, and career pathways. It also requires HHS, with the Attorney General, to report within one year on evidence for peer support, State background check laws, Medicaid and grant-related background check requirements, exemptions, reform efforts, and recommendations to reduce barriers to certification and practice.

Who Benefits and How

Peer support specialists benefit because the bill creates occupational recognition, federal workforce support, and career pathway recommendations. People with mental health conditions benefit from expanded access to recovery support services delivered by trained peers. People with substance use disorders benefit from peer support services rooted in lived recovery experience. States and Tribes benefit from SAMHSA technical assistance, data analysis, evaluation support, and best practice recommendations.

Who Bears the Burden and How

The Office of Management and Budget must revise the Standard Occupational Classification system by January 1, 2026. SAMHSA must operate the Office of Recovery and support training, certification, professional development, and recovery support capacity. The Department of Health and Human Services must produce and distribute a criminal background check report within one year. State certification agencies must review recommendations that may require revising background check rules for peer support specialists.

Key Provisions

• Defines peer support specialist using lived recovery or caregiver experience plus certification and national practice guidance.
• Requires OMB to add peer support specialists to the Standard Occupational Classification system by January 1, 2026.
• Creates a SAMHSA Office of Recovery led by a Director with lived recovery experience.
• Requires HHS and DOJ research and recommendations on criminal background check barriers to peer support specialist certification and practice.