Definition of peer support specialist

(a) In general In this Act, the term peer support specialist means an individual— (1) (A) who has lived experience of recovery from a mental health condition or substance use disorder and who specializes in supporting individuals with mental health conditions or substance use disorders; or (B) who has lived experience as a parent or caregiver of an individual with a mental health condition or substance use disorder and who specializes in supporting families navigating mental health or substance use service systems; and (2) who is certified as qualified to furnish peer support services, as described in subsection (b), under a process that is determined by the State in which such individual furnishes such services or determined appropriate by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. (b) Peer support services The services described in this subsection shall be consistent with the National Practice Guidelines for Peer Supporters issued by the National Association of Peer Supporters (or a successor publication) and inclusive of the Core Competencies for Peer Workers in Behavioral Health Services of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.