On or before January 1, 2023, the Department shall seek approval from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to cover peer recovery support services under the medical assistance program when rendered by certified peer support specialists for the purposes of supporting the recovery of individuals receiving substance use disorder treatment. As used in this Section, "certified peer support specialist" means an individual who:
(1) is a self-identified current or former recipient of substance use disorder services who has the ability to support other individuals diagnosed with a substance use disorder;(2) is affiliated with a substance use prevention and recovery provider agency that is licensed by the Department of Human Services' Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery; and (A) is certified in accordance with applicable State law to provide peer recovery support services in substance use disorder settings; or(B) is certified as qualified to furnish peer support services under a certification process consistent with the National Practice Guidelines for Peer Supporters and inclusive of the core competencies identified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in the Core Competencies for Peer Workers in Behavioral Health Services.Added by P.A. 102-1037,§ 20-5, eff. 6/2/2022.