Rule 24-3-9.5 - Provisional Certification Status CategoriesThe following status categories are applicable to individuals holding the Provisionally Certified Community Support Specialist credential (PCCSS).
A. Current Status 1. An individual holding provisional certification which is in good standing (including timely submission of all forms, fees, changes of information, etc.) and without sanctions will be considered to be in Current Status.2. An individual whose credential is in Current Status is able to practice within the scope of practice of this credentialing program and the ethical standards/principles.3. In order to maintain Current Status, a PCCSS is expected to notify the Division in writing (or via email) within 14 working days of a change in vital information such as name, address, employment, etc.4. The name of a person whose credential is in Current Status will appear on any list produced by the Division if he/she is Current at the time the list is produced.B. Extended Status1. Extended Status - General Information:a. In rare and extenuating circumstances, the Review Board may grant a PCCSS Extended Status on his/her provisional certification.b. Extended status will only be granted to a PCCSS who is in good standing at the time of the request.c. To obtain an extension, the individual should submit a written/email request to the Division of PLACE. The Division will subsequently present the request to the Review Board. In the request, the PCCSS should specifically request Extended Status, provide an explanation as to why the extension is needed and indicate a specific time period for the extension. Any documentation which supports the request should also be submitted. The Review Board may verify the circumstances surrounding the request.d. An individual on Extended Status is expected to comply with the terms of the extension as granted by the Review Board. Failure to do so may result in Defaulted Status.e. The maximum allowable time frame for which an extension may be granted is up to six months (subject to the approval of the PLACE Review Board).f. If the extension request is granted, the provisional expiration date will be moved to the new expiration date, with no break in provisional credentialing dates. However, if the extension request is not granted, the provisional credential will automatically default, effective per the PCCSS's original provisional expiration date.g. If a PCCSS is approved for Extended Status, he/she will only be allowed one (1) extension.h. Second or subsequent Extended Status requests will not considered.2. Extended Status - Individual needs more time to upgrade:a. Due to extenuating circumstances, the Review Board may grant Extended Status to an individual who is unable to complete all requirements to upgrade to full certification within the required two year (24 consecutive months) time limit. An extension is intended to allow a PCCSS additional time to complete the upgrade requirements.b. An individual granted Extended Status who is currently employed in the state mental health system is allowed to practice as a PCCSS and is expected to complete all requirements of provisional certification by the approved deadline for the extension.3. Extended Status - Individual has left State Mental Health System Employment: a. The Review Board may also grant Extended Status to a PCCSS who has temporarily left employment in a state mental health system program.b. An individual granted an extension due to having left state mental health system employment may neither practice as a PCCSS nor register for any Community Support Specialist certification activities for upgrade.c. An individual on Extended Status for this reason would need to submit a written/email request to be returned to Current Status, along with a new Verification of Employment Form from the individual's new place of employment.d. Upon returning to Current Status, the individual will again be allowed to practice as a PCCSS and will be able to register for and attend Community Support Specialist certification activities required for upgrade.e. An individual who was previously in Extended Status and who has been returned to Current Status is expected to complete all requirements of provisional certification by the approved extension deadline.C. Defaulted Status 1. Defaulted Status means the individual's provisional credential has expired and is no longer valid. A PCCSS may default for the following reasons including, but not limited to: a. Failure to complete all upgrade requirements during the two-year, 24 consecutive month Provisional Certification Period;b. Failure to submit an upgrade application so that it is received by the Division within established timelines;c. Failure to submit a request for Extended Status, or other status change request, so that it is received within established timelines;d. Review Board's determination of failure to submit a satisfactory request for Extended (or other) Status;e. Failure to comply with the terms of an extension granted by the Review Board; and/or,f. Separation from employment in the state mental health system without appropriate change in status category.2. Upon defaulting from the Community Support Specialist credentialing program, the individual immediately ceases to hold provisional certification (PCCSS).3. Defaulting from the program immediately overrides any other status category held by a provisionally-certified individual.4. To return to Current Status, an individual in Defaulted Status would be required to repeat the application process meeting all current requirements, including any specific requirements determined necessary by the Review Board.5. Except in rare and extenuating circumstances, as determined on a case-by-case basis by the Review Board, a PCCSS who has defaulted twice will not be allowed to reapply for this credentialing program a third time.D. Relinquished Status 1. A provisionally-certified individual who determines that he/she no longer needs/wants to hold and maintain professional certification may submit a written/email request to the Review Board requesting Relinquished Status. The Review Board may verify the circumstances surrounding the request.2. Once approved for Relinquished Status, the individual no longer holds the credential. The individual's certificate is null and void.3. To return to Current Status, a provisional individual in Relinquished Status would be required to repeat the application process, meeting all current requirements, including any specific requirements determined necessary by the Review Board.Section 41-4-7 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, Annotated