S. 1329: Providing Empathetic and Effective Recovery Support Act

This bill, known as the Providing Empathetic and Effective Recovery Support Act, aims to address workforce shortages in behavioral health by supporting peer support specialists. Peer support specialists are individuals who have lived experience with mental health conditions or substance use disorders and are trained to help others facing similar challenges. This legislation includes several key components:

Definition of Peer Support Specialists

The bill defines a peer support specialist as someone who has:

• Lived experience of recovery from a mental health condition or substance use disorder.
• Specialized knowledge in supporting individuals coping with these issues.
• If a parent or caregiver, has experience supporting a family member with a mental health condition or substance use disorder.
• Certification from the respective State or appropriate authorities for delivering peer support services.

Professional Recognition

The bill mandates that by January 1, 2026, the Office of Management and Budget must update the Standard Occupational Classification system to formally recognize peer support specialists as a distinct professional category.

Establishment of the Office of Recovery

The bill proposes the creation of an Office of Recovery within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This office will be responsible for:

• Identifying and addressing new and current issues related to recovery support services.
• Providing technical assistance and data analysis to help states and organizations expand recovery services.
• Facilitating training and professional development for peer support specialists.
• Distributing best practices on training, certification, and supervision of peer support specialists.
• Supporting ongoing professional development and retention of peer support specialists.
• Developing pathways for career advancement in the peer support field.

Research and Recommendations on Background Checks

The bill mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Attorney General, to develop a report focused on:

• The effectiveness of peer support specialists in aiding recovery.
• A survey of each state's criminal background laws related to becoming a certified peer support specialist.
• Recommendations to ease barriers created by those laws, making it easier for individuals to qualify as peer support specialists.

Publication and Dissemination of Findings

The final report will be published online and distributed to relevant state agencies and organizations involved in peer support services within one year of the legislation's enactment.

Implementation Timeline

The various provisions of the bill are structured to be implemented promptly, with timelines set for the establishment of the Office of Recovery and the reporting of background check findings.

Relevant Companies

• JNJ: Johnson & Johnson may be impacted through its mental health products and services as the demand for peer support specialists may increase the need for accessible mental health care.
• UNH: UnitedHealth Group could be affected, as the incorporation of peer support services may change how behavioral health services are delivered and reimbursed in health plans.