D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 22, r. 22-A7312

Current through Register Vol. 71, No. 49, December 6, 2024

Rule 22-A7312 - RECERTIFICATION PROCESS

7312.1

OCFA shall send a notice to each Certified Peer Specialist about the pending expiration of his or her certification at least one hundred twenty (120) days prior to expiration.

7312.2

A Certified Peer Specialist shall submit an application for recertification in the format approved by the Department to the OCFA at least sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of certification. The application for recertification shall include information about CEUs completed during the certification period.

7312.3

The OCFA shall submit the recertification application to the PSCC for review as set forth in Subsection 7302.8(i).

7312.4

The PSCC shall make a written recommendation to the OCFA regarding recertification of a Certified Peer Specialist. The OCFA shall make the final determination regarding recertification of a Certified Peer Specialist.

7312.5

The Department may decline to renew certification as a Certified Peer Specialist in the following circumstances:

(a) Violation of any principles of the code of ethics as set forth in Section 7306 above;

(b) Failure to provide evidence of completed CEUs as required by Subsection 7311.1 above;

(c) A determination that the individual is currently excluded, debarred, suspended, or otherwise ineligible to participate in the Federal healthcare programs, or Federal procurement or non-procurement programs, or has been convicted of a criminal offense that falls within the ambit of 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7a but has not yet been excluded, debarred, suspended or otherwise declared ineligible; or

(d) Any other set of facts which, in the exercise of the Director's reasonable judgment, substantially interferes with the Certified Peer Specialist's ability to perform essential job functions.

7312.6

The OCFA shall provide written notice to the Certified Peer Specialist about renewal of certification. A copy of the notification shall be provided to any mental health services agency that employs the Certified Peer Specialist.

7312.7

Recertification as a Certified Peer Specialist shall be valid for two (2) years from the date of the written notification issued by the OCFA.

7312.8

If the PSCC recommends that the certification not be renewed, it will provide the basis for the recommendation to the OCFA in writing, including any documentary evidence. The OCFA shall, in turn, provide written notice to the Certified Peer Specialist that:

(a) A recommendation has been made to deny the recertification; and

(b) The basis for that recommendation, including any written documentation.

7312.9

The Certified Peer Specialist may provide a response in writing to the OCFA within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the written notice with any objections, including any supporting documentation, to the recommendation of non-renewal.

7312.10

The OCFA will issue its final decision on the recertification within fifteen (15) days after the date on which the Certified Peer Specialist's response was received or due, whichever is earlier. If the certification is not renewed, a copy of the notification shall be provided to any mental health services agency that employs the Certified Peer Specialist.

7312.11

If the OCFA's final decision is to deny recertification, the Certified Peer Specialist's certification will expire on the original date of expiration.

7312.12

The Certified Peer Specialist may appeal a decision not to renew his or her certification to the Director of the Department. All appeals shall be in writing and must be submitted within ten (10) business days of the OCFA issuing its decision.

7312.13

Filing an appeal with the Director will not extend a certification beyond the original date of expiration. If an appeal is filed and the Director determines that the certification should be renewed, the period of recertification will begin from the date of the expiration of the original certification (if already expired) or from the date of the decision, if the original certification has not expired.

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 22, r. 22-A7312

Final Rulemaking published at 58 DCR 11096 (December 23, 2011); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 61 DCR 7002 (July 11, 2014)

Authority: Sections 5113, 5115, 5117 and 5118 of the "Department" of Behavioral Health Establishment Act of 2013, effective December 24, 2013 (D.C. Law 20-0061; D.C. Official Code §§ 7-1141.06 and 7-1141.07 (2014 Supp.)).