Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
The PEER Support Act aims to address behavioral health workforce shortages by expanding and professionalizing the peer support specialist workforce. Peer support specialists are individuals with personal lived experience recovering from mental health conditions or substance use disorders who help others navigating similar challenges, or parents and caregivers supporting families through these issues. The bill formally defines this profession, requires the Office of Management and Budget to create a new occupational classification for peer support specialists by January 2026, and establishes a dedicated Office of Recovery within the federal government to lead training, certification, career development, and best practices for these workers. Additionally, the bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to research and report on criminal background check policies across states within one year, providing recommendations to reduce unnecessary barriers that may prevent qualified individuals from becoming certified peer support specialists. The legislation affects state agencies, healthcare providers, and individuals with lived experience in mental health and substance use disorder recovery who want to work professionally in this field.
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