D.C. Mun. Regs. r. 22-A7301

Current through Register Vol. 71, No. 25, June 21, 2024

Rule 22-A7301 - GENERAL PROVISIONS

7301.1

The Department's Office of Consumer and Family Affairs (OCFA) shall administer the certified peer specialist certification program (Certification Program).

7301.2

The Certification Program consists of structured training designed to provide applicants with the skills necessary to provide Peer Support Services. The training at a minimum includes the completion of seventy (70) hours of classroom work as described in Section 7307 and an eighty (80) hour supervised field practicum described in Section 7308.

7301.3

Applicants who desire to receive a specialty designation may be required to take additional training in accordance with the standards set by the Department.

7301.4

After successful completion of the classroom work and a field practicum, or appropriate waiver in accordance with Section 7305, an applicant shall take a written and oral examination. The OCFA shall develop the written and oral examination, which shall be administered in accordance with Section 7309.

7301.5 Applicants who complete the required classroom work, field practicum and receive a passing score on the written and oral examination will be granted certification by the Department as a peer specialist (Certified Peer Specialist).

7301.6

The Department may offer a specialty designation for Certified Peer Specialists in accordance with the identified needs of the Department. Certified Peer Specialists may qualify for the specialty designation upon completion of the Certified Peer Specialist program, additional training, and any other requirements established by the Department. Specialty designations may include:

(a) Certified Peer Specialist - Family: an individual who is or has been a parent or legal guardian of a child or youth who is receiving or has received mental health services, and is able to provide services to children or youth and the parents or legal guardians currently receiving mental health services.

(b) Certified Peer Specialist - Youth: an individual who was a consumer of mental health services before the age of twenty-two (22), and is able to provide services to children or youth currently receiving mental health services.

(c) Certified Peer Specialist - Recovery: for those individuals with a history of substance abuse who are able to provide services to other individuals currently receiving services for substance abuse.

7301.7

The Department will provide notice to the public of upcoming training for Certified Peer Specialists, to include information on the application process and what, if any, specialty designations are being offered.

D.C. Mun. Regs. r. 22-A7301

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.)).