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Title 908 | Chapter 002 | Regulation 220REG

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CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES
Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities
Division of Behavioral Health
(Amendment)

908 KAR 2:220.Certified Peer Support SpecialistAdult peer support specialist.

RELATES TO:

KRS Chapter 13B, KRS 17.165(3), 17.500(8), 210.005, 222.005, 309.0831

STATUTORY AUTHORITY:

KRS12.455, 194A.030, 194A.050,210.450, 210.010, 222.211, 222.233

CERTIFICATION STATEMENT:

NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY:

KRS 194A.050(1) requires the secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to promulgate administrative regulations necessary to operate the programs and fulfill the responsibilities vested in the cabinet. KRS 210.010 requires the secretary to prescribe administrative regulations for the administration of the cabinetprotect the health of Kentucky citizens and to implement programs mandated by federal law or to qualify for the receipt of federal funds. KRS 210.450 authorizes the secretary to promulgate administrative regulations governing qualifications of personnel, standards for personnel management operations and consultation in ascertaining local needs for community programs for mental health or individuals with an intellectual disability. KRS 222.211(1) authorizes the cabinetsecretary to promulgate administrative regulations to carry out its powers and duties under KRS Chapter 222assure that there is the provision of prevention, intervention, and treatment services for both juveniles and adults to address the problems of addiction to alcohol and other drug abuse within individuals, families, and communities. This administrative regulation establishes the minimum eligibility, training, and supervision requirements for certified peer support specialists serving adults, youth, and familiesan adult peer support specialist.

Section 1.

Definitions.

(1)

"Alcohol and drug peer support specialist" means an individual who:

(a)

Meets the eligibility, training, and registration requirements established by KRS 309.0831 and 201 KAR Chapter 35; and

(b)

Provides peer support services to individuals with a substance use disorder.

(2)

"Annual renewal date" means the anniversary of the initial certification date listed on a certified peer support specialist's certificate"Adult peer support" means emotional support that is provided by an adult peer support specialist to others with similar mental health, substance use, or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders in order to achieve a desired social or personal change.

(3)(2)

"Applicant" means an individual seeking to become a certified peer support specialist

(4)

"Application" means the Application for Peer Support Certification that is used by individuals to apply or recertify for peer support certification"Adult peer support specialist" means a self-identified consumer of mental health, substance use, or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder services who has successfully completed the adult peer support specialist training.

(5)(3)

"Approved behavioral health practitioner" is defined by 907 KAR 15:005(3)"Adult peer support specialist services" means structured and scheduled non-clinical, therapeutic activities provided to a consumer by an adult peer support specialist in accordance with this administrative regulation.

(6)

"Behavioral science" means:

(a)

Psychology;

(b)

Sociology;

(c)

Social work;

(d)

Family studies;

(e)

Human services;

(f)

Counseling;

(g)

Nursing;

(h)

Behavioral analysis;

(i)

Public health;

(j)

Special education;

(k)

Gerontology;

(l)

Recreational therapy;

(m)

Education;

(n)

Occupational therapy;

(o)

Physical therapy;

(p)

Speech-language pathology;

(q)

Rehabilitation counseling; or

(r)

Faith-based education.

(7)

"Certification category" means a specialized category of certification for which the individual has lived experience, including:

(a)

Adult peer support specialist (adult PSS);

(b)

Family peer support specialist (family PSS); or

(c)

Youth peer support specialist (youth PSS).

(8)

"Certified peer support specialist" or "CPSS" means an individual who has met the eligibility, application, training, and certification requirements established by this administrative regulation who may provide peer support services within his or her certification category.

(9)

"Certified peer support specialist training" means a training that includes:

(a)

Core competencies aligned with current national standards; and

(b)

Specific population education for each certification category of peer support.

(10)(4)

"Consumer" means an individual with a mental health disorder who receivesadult peer support services.

(11)

"Co-occurring disorders" means any combination of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder.

(12)(5)

"Department"or "DBHDID" means the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities.

(13)

"Face-to-face" means:

(a)

In person at the same location; or

(b)

Through a synchronous electronic platform that simulates an in-person encounter via real-time interactive audio and video technology.

(14)

"Lived experience" means related, direct, first-hand experience in navigating mental health services and supports, including:

(a)

In personal recovery from a mental health disorder for an adult PSS;

(b)

Being a parent, grandparent, or other caregiver navigating services on behalf of a child prior to age twenty-one (21) with a mental health disorder for a family PSS; or

(c)

In personal recovery from a mental health disorder as a child prior to age twenty-one (21) for a youth PSS.

(15)

"Mental health disorder" means a mental illness as defined in KRS 210.005(5).

(16)

"Non-clinical services" means services that:

(a)

Support recovery, functioning, or access to care with a focus on coordination, support, or skill-building; and

(b)

Do not involve diagnosis, treatment, or clinical intervention by a licensed practitioner.

(17)

"Peer support services" or "PSS" means non-clinical supports and services that:

(a)

Are provided to an individual consumer or group of consumers;

(b)

Are delivered by a certified peer support specialist; and

(c)

Utilize evidence-based and best-practice interventions.

(18)(6)

"Recovery" means a process of change through which a consumer:

(a)

Improvesimproves in health and wellness;,

(b)

Liveslives a self-directed life;, and

(c)

Strivesstrives to reach full potential through community engagement and the development of supportive relationships.

(7)

"Regional community mental health center" or "CMHC" means the board established by KRS 210.380 and governed by KRS 210.370 to 210.485.

(19)

"Substance use disorder" is defined by KRS 222.005(12).

(20)(8)

"Training curriculum" or "training curricula" means a comprehensive settotal package of learning activities designed to achieve the goals of the training programwith:

(a)

The objective that trainees will acquire the specific knowledge and skills (competencies) needed to perform the duties of an adult peer support specialist; and

(b)

Four (4) primary components, including:

1.

Content or information to be transmitted, including:

a.

Theoretical framework;

b.

Conceptual rationale;

c.

Best standards of practice;

d.

Application to direct practice; and

e.

Congruence between and within sections;

2.

Organization of the curriculum, including structure, format, and sequencing, incorporating:

a.

Concordance with the natural learning process;

b.

Design of each section linked to specific learning objectives, with adequate time provided for each;

c.

Linkages between sections;

d.

Knowledge and skills that are conceptually related, or that are performed together on the job, are taught together; and

e.

Retention and understanding facilitated by principles of sequencing (from simple to complex, from the universal to the exception, and from fundamental to more refined applications) and repetition;

3.

Training methods appropriate to adult learners in an applied setting, in each section or topic area, including:

a.

Discussion to promote exploration and understanding of the topic;

b.

Experiential exercises or simulations; and

c.

Presentation of the same concepts using a variety of learning strategies (for example, hearing, seeing, modeling, and then practicing) to ensure that trainees with different learning styles can assimilate the knowledge; and

4.

Evaluation methods, including:

a.

Trainee knowledge assessment through testing, with achievement of a passing aggregate assessment score of at least seventy (70) percent; and

b.

Trainee performance reviews of trainers.

(21)

"Youth" means an individual who is:

(a)

An adolescent under eighteen (18) years old; or

(b)

A transition-aged youth between sixteen (16) and twenty-five (25) years old.

Section 2.

Applicability.

(1)

(a)

Beginning July 1, 2027, an individual seeking to become a certified peer support specialist shall be certified in accordance with this administrative regulation, except if eligible and approved for a modified peer support specialist certification pathway in accordance with Section 13 of this administrative regulation.

(b)

Any individual whose certification as a peer support specialist is in process on July 1, 2027, shall not be exempt from the certification process established by this administrative regulation.

(2)

Pursuant to KRS 222.233(1), effective January 1, 2027, peer support services at an alcohol and other drug entity, behavioral health service organization, behavioral health multi-specialty groups, and any entity that bills for peer support services shall be provided by a peer support specialist who is credentialed as following:

(a)

If providing peer support services as an alcohol and drug peer support specialist, is registered as an alcohol and drug peer support specialist in accordance with KRS 222.233 and KRS 309.0831; or

(b)

If providing peer support services as an adult peer support specialist, family peer support specialist, or youth peer support specialist, is certified in accordance with this administrative regulation.

Section 3.

Eligibility.

(1)

(a)

To apply for certification, an applicant shall submit a completed application in the department-designated data system.

(b)

The department shall notify the applicant whether or not he or she is eligible to begin trainings no later than thirty (30) business days after receiving the documentation requirements of this subsection.

(c)

If an applicant is denied eligibility, he or she may request an appeal in accordance with Section 12(3) of this administrative regulation.

(2)

Employers shall perform criminal record checks through the Administrative Office of the Courts or the Kentucky State Police for all applicants prior to employment, and annually on a random sample of at least twenty-five (25) percent of all certified peer support specialist personnel. Applicants and employees shall not be listed on the central registry established by 922 KAR 1:470, and shall not have a criminal conviction, guilty plea, or Alford plea of:

(a)

A sex crime as specified in KRS 17.500(8);

(b)

A violent crime a defined by KRS 17.165(3);

(c)

A felony offense related to neglect, abuse, sexual conduct or abuse, extortion, or exploitation; or

(d)

A criminal offense against a victim who is a minor as established by KRS 17.500(3) if the applicant will provide peer support services involving youth.

(3)

Prior to employment, an employer shall ensure that an applicantAn adult peer support specialist shall:

(a)(1)

IsBe eighteen (18) years of age or older;

(b)(2)

Is no older than thirty-five (35) years of age if applying with a certification category as a youth peer support specialistHave a current or past diagnosis of a mental health, substance use, or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders;

(3)

Have received or be receiving treatment;

(c)

Meets the background check requirements established by subsection (2) of this section;

(d)(4)

HasHave aminimum educational requirement of ahigh school diploma or General Equivalence Diploma (GED) certificate;

(e)

Demonstrates lived experience in the certification category for which the applicant is seeking certification;

(f)

Attests to a current pattern of recovery for an adult PSS or youth PSS

(5)

Demonstrate a pattern of recovery from a mental health, substance use, or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders;

(g)(6)

Successfully completes the required certified peer support specialist trainingcomplete adult peer support specialist training approved by the department or receive a training waiver for this requirement in accordance with Section 45 of this administrative regulation; and

(h)

Complies with the testing and certification requirements in accordance with Section 7 of this administrative regulation.

Section 4.

Initial Certification Training Requirements.

(1)

All trainings shall be face-to-face.

(2)

Initial certification training curricula shall include at least sixty (60) hours of certified peer support specialist training that incorporates:

(a)

Fifty (50) hours in the domains of:

1.

Recovery and wellness;

2.

Advocacy;

3.

Mentoring and education; and

4.

Ethical responsibilities; and

(b)

Ten (10) hours on the topics of effectively working with the population of the applicant's certification category.

(3)

Training shall be completed through a department-approved training provider.

(4)

Upon completion of the training requirements of this section, the applicant shall complete and submit a performance evaluation of the training in the department-designated data system.

Section 5.

Certification Renewal.

(1)

A certified peer support specialist shall:

(a)

Renew his or her certification annually no later than the certified peer support specialist's annual renewal date; and

(b)

Maintain a record of all completed continuing education trainings.

(2)(7)

On or before the certified peer support specialist's first annual renewal date, he or she shall successfullySuccessfully complete, maintain, and submit into the department-designated data system:department

(a)

An application;

(b)

A newly signed Certified Peer Support Specialist Code of Ethics; and

(c)

Documented proof of completing continuing education requirements, including:

1.

A minimum of ten (10) hours of annual behavioral health related training that shall include:

a.

Domestic violence training of at least three (3) hours;

b.

Suicide prevention training of at least three (3) hours;

c.

At least two (2) hours of human immunodeficiency virus training that covers transmission, control, treatment, and prevention; and

d.

Up to two (2) hours in any behavioral health related training; and

2.

Training certificates for completion of the trainings indicated in this paragraph that shall include:

a.

The name of the trainee;

b.

The name and date of the training;

c.

The names of the sponsor and presenter of the training; and

d.

The number of hours completeddocumentation of a minimum of six (6) hours of related training or education.

(3)

Inin each subsequent year following the first annual renewal date, the certified peer support specialist shall successfully complete and submit in the department-designated data system on or before his or her annual renewal date:

(a)

An application;

(b)

A signed Certified Peer Support Specialist Code of Ethics; and

(c)

Documented proof of completing ten (10) hours of continuing education in behavioral health related training and the training certificates for completion of the trainings that shall include:

1.

The name of the trainee;

2.

The name and date of the training;

3.

The names of the sponsor and presenter of the training; and

4.

The number of hours completed.

(4)

Failure to renew the peer support certification prior to the annual renewal date shall result in a lapse of certification. The individual shall not provide peer support services until the certification has been renewed.

(5)

It is the responsibility of the certified peer support specialist and the employer to ensure all requirements of this subsection are met. It is the responsibility of the certified peer support specialist to timely and accurately submit the supporting documentation in the department-designated data system.

Section 6.Section 3.

Training ProviderDepartment Responsibilities.

(1)

A qualified trainer is an individual who shall:

(a)

Be authorized by the department to present the training curricula;

(b)

Have at least two (2) years' work experience in a behavioral health or human services setting;

(c)

Have at least two (2) years' experience facilitating trainings and assessing participant learning; and

(d)

Meet one of the following criteria:

1.

Be a certified peer support specialist with an additional one (1) year of work experience in a behavioral health or human services setting; or

2.

Have a bachelor's degree in a behavioral science.

(2)

An entity shall apply to provideThe department shall, within twenty (20) business days, approve or deny at least a thirty (30) hour adult peer support specialist training curriculacurriculum based on a nationally recognized model, which shall include modules on the following by submitting a Curriculum and Qualified Trainer Submission Summary to the department that includes all individuals who shall be the qualified trainers for the curriculum. Training shall not be provided without the department's approval of the training curricula and the qualified trainers.

(3)

Upon approval to provide a training curricula, the entity shall ensure for each training event that there is:

(a)

A qualified trainer to oversee the training eventProblem solving; and

(b)

At least one (1) individual who is a certified peer support specialist with a current certification in good standing to assist with the training.Wellness recovery action plan;

(c)

Stages in the recovery process;

(d)

Effective listening skills;

(e)

Establishing recovery goals; and

(f)

Using support groups to promote and sustain recovery.

(4)

The training entity or qualified trainer shall manage the following tasks for each training event to facilitate individuals' participation in the certified peer support specialist trainings:

(a)

Organize and promote the training event;

(b)

Establish an accessible registration process;

(c)

Secure an adequate training venue;

(d)

Provide necessary training materials for participants;

(e)

Deliver the approved training curricula;

(f)

Provide the department with a list of participants who successfully completed the training within ten (10) business days of the training event;

(g)

Be present, act as a proctor, and provide the necessary technology for an individual who has successfully completed the training to complete the required certified peer support specialist training test in accordance with Section 7 of this administrative regulation;

(h)

Facilitate the completion of a department-approved training evaluation; and

(i)

Maintain records of the training and participants for five (5) years.

(5)(2)

If the training entity or qualified trainer fails to complete the requirements of subsection (4) of this section, the department may revoke their approval as a qualified trainer, to provide the training curricula, or both, as applicable.

(6)

The department shall maintain a record of all approvedadult peer support training entities and qualified trainersproviders. The department shall publish the list of approved training entities on the department's Web site.

(7)

Department approved training curriculum is valid for three (3) years. Prior to the expiration of that time, an entity previously approved to provide training shall submit a Curriculum and Qualified Trainer Submission Summary to the department that includes all individuals who shall be the qualified trainers for the curriculum. Training shall not be provided after the expiration of the prior approval without the department's approval of the training curricula and the qualified trainers.

Section 7.

Testing and Certification.

(1)

(a)

Each applicant shall complete a test that measures the applicant's comprehension and understanding of the certified peer support specialist training. In order to pass the test, the applicant shall attain a minimum score of eighty (80) percent.

(b)

If the applicant has not successfully passed the test after a maximum of three (3) attempts, the applicant shall retake the entire certified peer support specialist training, except as prescribed in paragraph (c) of this subsection.

(c)

Applicants who do not successfully pass the test after a maximum of three (3) attempts, who are testing due to a modified certification pathway requirement in accordance with Section 13 of this administrative regulation, shall retake the trainings and test required by his or her modified certification pathway.

(2)

(a)

Upon passing the test, the applicant shall finalize the application process by submitting the signed Certified Peer Support Specialist Code of Ethics in the department-designated data system to request certification.

(b)

The department shall provide the applicant with a peer support specialist certificate that specifies the applicant's selected certification category upon verification that all requirements established in this administrative regulation are complete.

(c)

The date of certification shall be included on the certificate and shall be the peer support specialist's annual renewal date.

Section 8.

Department records.(3) Providers of approved curricula shall notify the department within twenty (20) business days of a trainee's successful completion of an adult peer support training.

(4)

The department shall maintain a record of all:

(1)

Individualsindividuals who havesuccessfully completed the certified peer support specialistadult peer support specialist training and test;or

(2)

Individuals approved forwho have received atraining waiver modified peer support specialist certification pathway in accordance withsubsection (5) of this section and Section 135 of this administrative regulation;.

(3)

Individuals granted certification as a peer support specialist; and

(4)

Documentation submitted in the department-designated data system for annual certified peer support specialist continuing education requirements.

(5)

The department shall review all requests to waive the training requirement and shall, within twenty (20) business days:

(a)

Approve, in writing, the request based on the documentation provided by the individual; or

(b)

Deny, in writing, the request if the individual fails to demonstrate compliance with any portion of this administrative regulation.

Section 9.Section 4.

CertifiedAdult Peer Support Specialist Responsibilities.

(1)

In providing peer support services, a certified peer support specialistAn adult peer support specialist shall:

(a)(1)

Use relevant personal stories to assistother consumers through experience;

(b)(2)

Serve as a role model to consumers and inspire hope that recovery is possiblea consumer;

(c)(3)

Encourage consumer voice and choice during development and implementation of treatment plans;

(d)(4)

Provide supportSupport a consumer by: accompanying consumers to related activities,

(a)

Attending team meetings, and other events upon the consumer'son behalf of the consumer at the requestof the consumer;or

(e)

Encourage consumer empowerment to build confidence and self-advocacy skills;

(b)

Accompanying the consumer to meetings upon the consumer's request;

(5)

Empower a consumer to have the confidence to be a self-advocate;

(f)(6)

Help providers or other individuals understand the importance of integrating consumer voice and choice in services and support within a system of care; and

(g)(7)

Promote socialization, recovery, resiliency, self-advocacypreservation, and enhancement of community living skills for consumers.; and

(2)

A certified peer support specialist shall only provide peer support services:

(a)

That are in person, structured, and scheduled;

(b)

To the specific consumer for which the certified peer support specialist has the training, lived experience, and all other requirements established by this administrative regulation;

(c)

That are coordinated with and directly contribute to the consumer's identified goals as specified in an individualized plan of care developed through a person-centered process; and

(d)

That are non-clinical services within the peer support specialist's area of competence and scope of practice.

(3)

Peer support services shall be provided for no more than a total of thirty (30) hours per week of direct consumer contact. If peer support services are provided in a group setting, the group shall be no more than eight (8) consumers.

(8)

Complete and maintain documentation of a minimum of six (6) hours of related training or education in each subsequent year after successful completion of the adult peer support specialist training or receipt of waiver, and shall submit a list of all trainings in which the adult peer support specialist participated, the provider or presenter of the training, and the number of hours of each training to the department every three (3) years. The submission due date shall be the last day of the month of which the adult peer support specialist's initial training was completed.

Section 5.

Request to Waive the Adult Peer Support Specialist Training.

(1)

An individual requesting to waive the adult peer support specialist training shall:

(a)

Provide documentation to the department, on the department's Web site, of successful completion of an adult peer support specialist training sponsored by a federal entity or by another state that is comparable to the adult peer support specialist training in this administrative regulation; and

(b)

Provide documentation to show that the training has occurred within five (5) years of the waiver request.

(2)

The department shall review all requests to waive the training requirement and shall, within twenty (20) business days:

(a)

Approve, in writing, the request based on the documentation provided by the individual; or

(b)

Deny, in writing, the request if the individual fails to demonstrate compliance with any portion of this administrative regulation.

(3)

If an individual is denied a training waiver, the individual may complete the adult peer support specialist training in accordance with the requirements in Section 2 of this administrative regulation.

Section 10.Section 6.

Supervision of a Certifiedan Adult Peer Support Specialist.

(1)

Certified peer support specialistAdult peer support specialist services shall be provided under the supervision of an approved behavioral health practitionerone (1) of the following professionals:

(a)

Physician;

(b)

Psychiatrist;

(c)

Advanced practice registered nurse;

(d)

Physician assistant;

(e)

Licensed psychologist;

(f)

Licensed psychological practitioner including a certified psychologist or a certified psychologist with autonomous functioning;

(g)

Licensed clinical social worker;

(h)

Licensed professional clinical counselor;

(i)

Licensed marriage and family therapist;

(j)

Licensed psychological associate;

(k)

Marriage and family therapy associate;

(l)

Certified social worker;

(m)

Licensed professional counselor associate;

(n)

Licensed professional art therapist;

(o)

Licensed professional art therapist associate;

(p)

Professional equivalent working within a CMHC;

(q)

Licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor;

(r)

Licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor associate;

(s)

Certified alcohol and drug counselor; or

(t)

Psychiatric nurse working in a CMHC.

(2)

Supervision meetings between the supervising professional and a certified peer support specialistadult peer support specialist shall:

(a)

Be conducted face-to-face;

(b)

Occur no less than twice per month, at least one (1) of which shall be in one-on-one with the supervisor and the certified peer support specialistindividual; and

(c)

Be at least thirty (30) minutes in length.

(3)

The supervising professional shall document and maintain a written record of supervision that:

(a)

Is dated and signed by the certified peer support specialistadult peer support specialist and the supervisor for each meeting; and

(b)

Includes a description of each supervision meeting that specifies:

1.

The topic discussed;

2.

Specific action to be taken;

3.

An update for any issue previously discussed that required follow-up; and

4.

A plan for additional training needs if any were identified.

(4)

(a)

Within six (6) months of assuming supervisory duties, and annually thereafter, a supervisor shall complete six (6) hours of department-approved certified peer support supervisor training that shall include instruction in:

1.

Ethics;

2.

Documentation;

3.

Wellness and recovery management; and

4.

Purpose and role of a certified peer support specialist.

(b)

Documentation of completion of the trainings required by this subsection shall be maintained in the supervisor's personnel record.

Section 11.

Investigation Process.

(1)

Anyone may file a written complaint concerning a certified peer support specialist who is certified under this administrative regulation if the alleged behavior occurred not more than one (1) year prior to the date the complaint is filed.

(2)

Complaints shall be submitted to the department via email to DBHDIDCPSSIssues@ky.gov.

(3)

(a)

A complaint shall include as much detail as available related to:

1.

A description of the actions or behaviors alleged to be in violation of this administrative regulation or the Certified Peer Support Specialist Code of Ethics;

2.

The facts or circumstances upon which the complaint is based;

3.

The name and contact number of the complainant, unless the complaint is submitted anonymously; and

4.

Any available supporting documentation or evidence.

(b)

If a complaint is submitted without sufficient detail to allow for a meaningful review and there is no contact information for the complainant, the complaint shall not be reviewed.

(4)

Upon receipt of a complaint, the department shall:

(a)

Provide notice to the certified peer support specialist named in the complaint and allow him or her an opportunity to respond, including proposing a resolution if appropriate; and

(b)

Initiate a review of the complaint to determine whether the facts substantiate a potential violation of this administrative regulation or the Certified Peer Support Code of Ethics.

(5)

Within sixty (60) calendar days of receiving a complaint, the department shall:

(a)

Conduct a desk review of the allegations, which may include requesting additional documentation, phone interviews, or clarification from either party;

(b)

Determine whether a violation of this administrative regulation or the Certified Peer Support Code of Ethics has occurred; and

(c)

Notify any relevant licensure or certification agency, if the nature of the complaint or findings warrants the notification.

(6)

The department may conduct an audit or compliance review of a certified peer support specialist at any time. If during an audit or compliance review the department determines that a violation of this administrative regulation or the Certified Peer Support Code of Ethics has occurred, it shall notify any relevant licensure or certifying agency, if warranted.

(7)

If an investigation, audit, compliance or any other review results in a determination that a certified peer support specialist's conduct was in violation of this administrative regulation or the Certified Peer Support Code of Ethics, the department may:

(a)

Require the certified peer support specialist to complete additional trainings; or

(b)

Revoke the peer support specialist's certification in accordance with Section 12 of this administrative regulation.

Section 12.

Denial or Revocation of Certification.

(1)

The department may deny an application for certification or recertification, or revoke a certification if:

(a)

An individual fails to comply with ongoing certification requirements;

(b)

An individual fails to timely complete trainings the department required in accordance with Section 11(7)(a) of this administrative regulation; or

(c)

A review conducted pursuant to Section 11(5) or (6) of this administrative regulation substantiates a violation of this administrative regulation.

(2)

Written notice of the department's decision to deny or revoke certification shall be provided to:

(a)

The certifying or licensing agency; and

(b)

The individual, which shall include:

1.

The basis for the action taken;

2.

The right to appeal the decision; and

3.

If applicable, the opportunity to reapply.

(3)

A request to appeal the denial or revocation shall be submitted in writing to the department within ten (10) business days of the date of the written notice. The request shall include a short and plain statement of the basis for the request. Upon receipt of a timely appeal, an administrative hearing shall be conducted in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B. A final determination shall be sent to the appellant in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B.

(4)

Unless otherwise specified by the department in its written notice:

(a)

If the individual does not appeal a denial or revocation, he or she may reapply for certification after a period of one (1) year following the notice of denial or revocation; or

(b)

If the individual requests an appeal of a denial or revocation and the appeal does not overturn the department's denial or revocation, the individual shall not be eligible to reapply for certification for a period of one (1) year following the final determination.

Section 13.

Modified Peer Support Specialist Certification Pathway.

(1)

An applicant may request a modified peer support specialist certification pathway if he or she meets the criteria of this section and has lived experience in the certification category for which he or she is seeking certification. Modification pathways include:

(a)

An exemption if the applicant has a current, active Kentucky peer support specialist certification that was issued prior to July 1, 2027, and the applicant is not currently under investigation in accordance with Section 11 of this administrative regulation;

(b)

Reciprocity if the applicant is a current registered alcohol and drug peer support specialist in accordance with KRS 309.0831; or

(c)

A waiver if the applicant has current, active certification as a peer support specialist through a national certifying body or another state's training program with comparable training topics that was obtained within the last three (3) years.

(2)

To request a modified certification pathway, the applicant shall submit to the department-designated data system:

(a)

A completed application indicating the type of modification pathway requested;

(b)

A signed Certified Peer Support Specialist Code of Ethics; and

(c)

Modified pathway-specific documentation:

1.

If an applicant is requesting an exemption, ensure all continuing education requirements are submitted to the department-designated data system;

2.

If an applicant is requesting reciprocity, proof of current, active registration as an alcohol and drug peer support specialist; or

3.

If an applicant is requesting a waiver, proof of:

a.

Peer support certification through a national certifying body or from another state issued within the last three (3) years; and

b.

Completed training topics, dates, and hours for each topic area that meet the standards reflected by this administrative regulation.

(3)

The department shall review all requests for a modified certification pathway and make a determination of eligibility based on the documentation provided by the individual.

(a)

If the department determines the applicant is exempt, the department shall provide the applicant with a peer support specialist certificate that specifies the applicant's selected certification category and certification date.

(b)

If the department determines the applicant is eligible for reciprocity, the department shall provide the applicant with a peer support specialist certificate that specifies the applicant's selected certification category and certification date once the applicant:

1.

Completes and submits to the department-designated data system twenty (20) hours of department-approved trainings, that shall include:

a.

Ten (10) hours on the topic of mental health; and

b.

Ten (10) hours on the topic of effectively working with the population of the applicant's certification category; and

2.

Once the requirements of subparagraph 1. of this subsection are complete, the applicant shall complete the testing requirements as established in Section 7 of this administrative regulation.

(c)

If the department determines the applicant is eligible for a waiver:

1.

If the applicant's prior certification and training are determined to be substantially equivalent to the certification requirements of this administrative regulation, the department shall provide the applicant with a peer support specialist certificate that specifies the applicant's selected certification category and certification date; or

2.

If the applicant's prior certification and training partially meet the certification requirements for this administrative regulation, applicants may be required to complete additional training hours to address any Kentucky-specific topics or content areas not included in the applicant's prior training.

(d)

If the department determines the applicant is not eligible for a modified certification pathway because the individual fails to demonstrate conformance with any portion of this administrative regulation, the request for the modified certification pathway shall be denied.

(4)

(a)

If an applicant is denied a modified certification pathway, the applicant may request an appeal in accordance with Section 12(3) of this administrative regulation.

(b)

The applicant shall be required to meet the eligibility, training, and testing requirements to qualify as a certified peer support specialist as established by this administrative regulation if he or she:

1.

Is denied the modified certification pathway, and either does not appeal or the appeal is denied; or

2.

Does not provide all documentation required by subsection (2) of this section.

(c)

Current certified peer support specialists who are not approved for a waiver shall complete the entire certification process no later than January 1, 2028.

(5)

(a)

Peer support specialists who become certified through the modified certification pathway are required to comply with all other peer support specialist requirements in accordance with this administrative regulation, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection.

(b)

If the applicant uploads into the department-designated data system verification of completion of the first annual training requirements established in Section 5(2)(c) of this administrative regulation, the applicant shall not be required to re-take those trainings.

Section 14.

Incorporation by reference.

(1)

The following material is incorporated by reference:

(a)

"Application for Peer Support Certification", May 2026;

(b)

"Curriculum and Qualified Trainer Submission Summary", May 2026; and

(c)

"Certified Peer Support Specialist Code of Ethics", May 2026.

(2)

This material may be inspected, copied, or obtained, subject to applicable copyright law, at the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities, 275 East Main Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40621, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time / 7:00 a.m. through 3:30 p.m. Central Time. This material may also be viewed on the department's Web site at: https://dbhdid.ky.gov/dpi.
908 KAR 2:220
KATHERINE R. MARKS, Ph. D., Commissioner
STEVEN J. STACK, MD, MBA, Secretary
APPROVED BY AGENCY: July 7, 2026
FILED WITH LRC: July 13, 2026 at 11:20 a.m.
PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD: A public hearing on this administrative regulation shall, if requested, be held on September 21, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time / 8:00 a.m. Central Time, using the CHFS Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Zoom meeting room. The Zoom invitation will be emailed to each requestor the week prior to the scheduled hearing. Individuals interested in attending this virtual hearing shall notify this agency in writing by September 14, 2026, five (5) workdays prior to the hearing, of their intent to attend. If no notification of intent to attend the hearing is received by that date, the hearing may be canceled. This hearing is open to the public. Any person who attends virtually will be given an opportunity to comment on the proposed administrative regulation. A transcript of the public hearing will not be made unless a written request for a transcript is made. If you do not wish to be heard at the public hearing, you may submit written comments on this proposed administrative regulation through September 30, 2026. Send written notification of intent to attend the public hearing or written comments on the proposed administrative regulation to the contact person. Pursuant to KRS 13A.280(8), copies of the statement of consideration and, if applicable, the amended after comments version of the administrative regulation shall be made available upon request.
CONTACT PERSON: Krista Quarles, Policy Analyst, Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, 275 East Main Street 5 W-A, Frankfort, Kentucky 40621; Phone: 502-564-7476; Fax: 502-564-7091; CHFSregs@ky.gov.
REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS AND TIERING STATEMENT
Contact Person:
Jessica Beaubien, Krista Quarles, Phone Number: (502) 564-4527, (502) 564-7476, Email: jessical.beaubien@ky.gov, CHFSregs@ky.gov
Subject Headings:
Behavioral Health, Mental Health, Occupations and Professions, Substance Use
(1) Provide a brief summary of:
(a) What this administrative regulation does:
This administrative regulation establishes the minimum eligibility, training, and supervision requirements for certified peer support specialists serving adults, youths, and families.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
This administrative regulation is necessary to provide guidelines that ensure the eligibility, training, and supervision requirements for certified peer support specialists serving adults, youths, and families are in place and followed.
(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
This administrative regulation conforms to the authorizing statutes through fulfilling the requirements in KRS 194A.050, 210.010, 222.211, and 222.233.
(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This administrative regulation assists the effective administration of the statutes by establishing the minimum eligibility, training, and supervision requirements for certified peer support specialists serving adults, youths, and families. (2) If this is an amendment to an existing administrative regulation, provide a brief summary of:
(2) If this is an amendment to an existing administrative regulation, provide a brief summary of:
(a) How the amendment will change this existing administrative regulation:
The amendment consolidates three peer support services administrative regulations (908 KAR 2:220 Kentucky adult peer support specialist, 908 KAR 2:230 Kentucky family peer support specialist, and 908 KAR 2:240 Kentucky youth peer support specialist) into one administrative regulation. This will ease the regulatory burden on providers, employers, and the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities, and make credentials, skills, training, and supervision requirements more accessible. This amendment also adds provisions about eligibility, training, and certification.
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
The amendment consolidates three peer support services (908 KAR 2:220 Kentucky adult peer support specialist, 908 KAR 2:230 Kentucky family peer support specialist, and 908 KAR 2:240 Kentucky youth peer support specialist) into one administrative regulation. This amendment is necessary to ensure eligibility, training, and certification requirements for certified peer support specialists are consistent and meet quality standards. HB 505 (RS 2024) and HB 470 (RS 2026) enacted changes related to peer support services that are also addressed in the amendment.
(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
The amendment conforms to the authorizing statutes through detailing the requirements of a peer support specialist qualifications, training, and certification. This fulfills the requirements in KRS 210.010, 222.211, and 222.233.
(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This amendment will assist in the effective administration of statutes by establishing the minimum eligibility, training, and supervision requirements for certified peer support specialists serving adults, youths, and families.
(3) Does this administrative regulation or amendment implement legislation from the previous five years?
Yes, this amendment addresses HB 505 (2024 RS) and HB 470 (RS 2026), which created and amended KRS 222.233.
(4) List the type and number of individuals, businesses, organizations, or state and local governments affected by this administrative regulation:
There are 14 community mental health centers (CMHCs), 152 behavioral health services organizations (BHSOs), 694 alcohol and other drug entities (AODEs), and various behavioral health private practitioners. Approximately 14,385 individuals are currently certified as peer support specialists.
(5) Provide an analysis of how the entities identified in question (4) will be impacted by either the implementation of this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change, if it is an amendment, including:
(a) List the actions that each of the regulated entities identified in question (4) will have to take to comply with this administrative regulation or amendment:
Entities providing peer support specialist training will be required to ensure their training curricula is updated and approved by the department. Peer support specialists will need to ensure they maintain their certification by complying with annual renewal processes. There is no change required for consumers. In the future, individuals seeking to become certified peer support specialists will experience a streamlined process that combines the current three separate processes. These changes will ensure certified peer support specialists receive quality training that align with current national standards and provide services to the consumers.
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):
There will be minimal to no additional costs to the identified entities. Costs include training, and lost time and billable hours while training. These are costs that already exist for the agencies/centers with the existing certification process. No other costs have been identified.
(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (4):
This amendment makes the peer support specialist certification process streamlined by combining the current three separate processes and adding details about the necessary requirements.
(6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation:
(a) Initially:
The Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental, and Intellectual Disabilities estimates minimal costs to implement the proposed amendment.
(b) On a continuing basis:
The Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental, and Intellectual Disabilities estimates it will have minimal cost on a continuing basis.
(7) What is the source of the funding to be used for the implementation and enforcement of this administrative regulation or this amendment:
This administrative regulation and this amendment will be funded through a combination of state general funds and federal grant funds (when available).
(8) Provide an assessment of whether an increase in fees or funding will be necessary to implement this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change if it is an amendment:
There is no increase in fees or funding as a result of the proposed amendment because there will be minimal to no additional costs to the identified entities. Current funding already covers the costs for the agencies/centers with the existing certification process and no additional costs have been identified.
(9) State whether or not this administrative regulation establishes any fees or directly or indirectly increases any fees:
There are no new or increased fees as a result of the proposed amendment.
(10) TIERING: Is tiering applied?
Tiering is not applied because this administrative regulation will be applied in a like manner statewide.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(1) Identify each state statute, federal statute, or federal regulation that requires or authorizes the action taken by the administrative regulation.
KRS 194A.050, 210.010, 222.211, and 222.233.
(2) Identify the promulgating agency and any other affected state units, parts, or divisions:
The promulgating agency is the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities.
(a) Estimate the following for the first year:
Expenditures:
Minimal. Existing staff time for implementation is the only expenditure.
Revenues:
None.
Cost Savings:
None.
(b) How will expenditures, revenues, or cost savings differ in subsequent years?
They will not differ for subsequent years.
(3) Identify affected local entities (for example: cities, counties, fire departments, school districts):
There are 14 community mental health centers (CMHCs), 152 behavioral health services organizations (BHSOs), 694 alcohol and other drug entities (AODEs), and various behavioral health private practitioners that may be affected if they choose to train or employee certified peer support specialists.
(a) Estimate the following for the first year:
Expenditures:
Minimal to no additional expenditures. Costs include training costs and lost time and billable hours while training. These are costs that already exist for the agencies/centers with the existing certification process.
Revenues:
None.
Cost Savings:
None. (b) How will expenditures, revenues, or cost savings differ for subsequent years: They will not differ for subsequent years.
(b) How will expenditures, revenues, or cost savings differ in subsequent years?
They will not differ for subsequent years.
(4) Identify additional regulated entities not listed in questions (2) or (3):
None.
(a) Estimate the following for the first year:
Expenditures:
N/A
Revenues:
N/A
Cost Savings:
N/A
(b) How will expenditures, revenues, or cost savings differ in subsequent years?
(5) Provide a narrative to explain the:
(a) Fiscal impact of this administrative regulation:
The overall fiscal impact of this administrative regulation is minimal.
(b) Methodology and resources used to determine the fiscal impact:
The department reviewed existing training and administrative staff and compared that to the training staff it will take to implement this administrative regulation.
(6) Explain:
(a) Whether this administrative regulation will have an overall negative or adverse major economic impact to the entities identified in questions (2) - (4). ($500,000 or more, in aggregate)
This administrative regulation will not have an overall negative or adverse major economic impact to the identified entities.
(b) The methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
The department reviewed existing training and administrative staff and compared that to the training staff it will take to implement this administrative regulation.

7-Year Expiration: 12/28/2028

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