Rule 24-3-9.6 - Full Certification Status CategoriesThe following status categories are applicable to individuals holding full certification as a Certified Community Support Specialist (CCSS).
A. Current Status 1. An individual holding 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 CCSS 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. Inactive Status 1. The Review Board may grant Inactive Status to a fully-certified individual who is leaving employment in the state mental health system and who wishes to maintain the credential.2. Inactive Status will only be granted to a fully-certified individual who is in good standing (Current Status) at the time of the request.3. In order to pursue Inactive Status, the certified individual must submit a written/email request to the Division of PLACE. The Division will present the request to the Review Board. In the request, the fully-certified individual should request Inactive Status, provide an explanation as to why the status change is needed and indicate a specific time period for the inactivity. Documentation which supports the request may be submitted along with the request. The Review Board may verify the circumstances surrounding the request. a. Individuals granted Inactive Status must meet renewal requirements, including completion of required continuing education requirements. (Individuals in Inactive Status are exempt from the renewal fee.) Otherwise, the certified individual's credential will lapse.b. An individual in Inactive Status is allowed to continue to use the professional title behind his/her name, but is not allowed to practice.c. A person in Inactive Status may be returned to Current Status upon submission of a written/email request, along with an appropriate Verification of Employment Form reflecting current employment within the state mental health system.C. Lapsed Status 1. Lapsed Status means the fully-certified individual's credential has expired and is no longer valid. A fully-certified individual's credential may lapse for any of the following reasons, including but not limited to:a. Failure to renew professional certification according to established timelines;b. Failure to make a special request, according to established timelines and obtain an appropriate certification status;c. Review Board's determination of failure to submit a satisfactory request for a status change;d. Failure to comply with the terms of the status change request approved by the Review Board; and/or,e. Separation from state mental health system employment without appropriate status change.2. Lapsing from the program immediately overrides any other status category held by a fully-certified individual. Upon lapsing, the individual immediately ceases to hold certification.D. Retired Status1. The Review Board may grant Retired Status to an individual who has retired and is no longer employed in the state mental health system. Retired status is intended for individuals who have ceased working because they have either reached the age of retirement or have accumulated the number of work years to retire.2. In order to pursue Retired Status, the individual (upon retirement) must submit a written/email request to the Division of PLACE. The Division will present the request to the Review Board. In the request, the individual should request Retired Status and indicate the date of retirement. The Review Board may verify the circumstances surrounding the request. The individual granted Retired Status is no longer required to meet renewal requirements/fees and is permitted to keep his/her certificate.E. Relinquished Status1. A fully-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.2. The Review Board may verify the circumstances surrounding the request. Once approved for Relinquished Status, the individual no longer holds the credential. The individual's certificate is null and void.Section 41-4-7 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, Annotated