The PEER Support Act addresses shortages in behavioral health workers by establishing formal recognition and support for peer support specialists—individuals with personal lived experience of mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or as caregivers who help others navigate recovery and mental health services. The bill requires the federal government to officially recognize peer support specialists as an occupational category by January 2025 and establishes a new Office of Recovery within the federal health agency to provide training, certification standards, career development, and best practice guidance for these workers across states. The legislation also directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to research and report on criminal background check requirements for peer support specialists, since criminal records often create barriers to certification even though peer support specialists have proven effective at helping others recover. The report must be completed and shared with state agencies and federal health officials within one year of the law's enactment. Overall, the bill aims to professionalize and expand the peer support specialist workforce to help address mental health and substance use treatment gaps.
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