Pennsylvania Loosens Requirements For Certified Peer Specialists To Expand Workforce

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has changed the state Medicaid plan and is changing the protocol and requirements for certified peer specialists (CPS). The changes are intended to expand the peer specialist workforce by relaxing some of the previous requirements. In addition to creating workforce opportunities for people with lived mental behavioral health experience, OMHSAS seeks to create a comprehensive and financially secure crisis system.

Prospective CPSs will no longer need to meet the following requirements:

Self-identify as having a serious mental illness or serious emotional disturbance. Instead . . .