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| Is there a state-endorsed certification process?: | Yes |
| Does the state differentiate between Mental Health Peer Support Specialists and Substance Use Peer Support Specialists?: | Peer Recovery Support Specialists are trained in substance use recovery. Peer Support Specialists are trained to support mental health recovery. |
| What are the educational requirements to apply for a peer specialist training program?: | High school diploma or GED |
| What are the personal requirements to apply for a peer specialist training program?: | Must be age 18 or older. Must have two or more years of lived experience, having personally received services within the behavioral health system. |
| What are the professional requirements needed to apply for a peer specialist training program?: | None. |
| What are the training requirements to become a Certified Peer Specialist?: | The approved training for Arkansas peer support specialists is the Appalachian Model of Peer Specialist Training Curriculum. |
| What is the average cost for CPS training?: | Unclear. |
| Who is responsible for paying for training? (List all): | Unclear. |
| Other potential funding sources.: | Unclear. |
| Is there a state-wide certification test?: | No. |
| What are the personal/professional requirements for certification, if they differ from attending the training?: | Must work at a Behavioral Health Agency and the Behavioral Health Agency must be Medicaid-certified. The agency must then ""attest"" that the applicant has completed training as a Qualified Behavioral Health Provider and provide the name, physical address and Medicaid number for all sites at which the applicant will be providing services. And Must Valid Arkansas driver's license/identification card. |
| Is a background check required? If so, is a criminal record a disqualification for certification?: | According to Arkansas Code, a background check IS required. Additionally, a participant providing services cannot be subject to the DHS Participant Exclusion Rule. Legislation passed in 2019 under the title ""AR H 1433"" states that the Department of Human Services shall not disqualify or exclude an individual from participation in the Arkansas Medicaid Program based on a criminal background check if: (1) The individual is employed as a peer support specialist or other similar position; (2) The individual obtains certification in peer recovery by the Arkansas Substance Abuse Certification Board; (3) The certification was obtained after the commission of a criminal offense; (4) The criminal offense does not involve violence or a sexual act; and (5) The certification process includes due process for appealing a decision based upon a disqualifying charge in the criminal background check. |
| What is the cost of the certification test?: | No fee identified. |
| Does the certification test need to be taken regularly to maintain certification?: | |
| Aside from any fees for the training or state-wide certification test, are there other certification fees/costs?: | N/A |
| Is there a statewide certification body?: | Yes. Certification is provided by the Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services through the Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services (DAABHS). |
| Please provide as much information about the certification board/body as possible.: | The Department of Human Services Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services Mental Health Services 4800 W. 7th Street Little Rock, AR 72205 DHS.BehavioralHealth@dhs.arkansas.gov |
| Where can information be found for upcoming peer support trainings?: | The MidSOUTH Training Academy UALR website. http://www.midsouth.ualr.edu/daabhs/ |
| On average, how often are trainings held in your state?: | |
| Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.: | MidSOUTH Training Academy School of Social Work University of Arkansas at Little Rock 2801 South University Ave. Little Rock, AR 72204 Phone: (501)296-1920 Fax: (501)296-1927 Email: support@midsouth.ualr.edu |
| What are the continuing education requirements?: | 8 hours (annually) of specialized training related to the type of support services being delivered |
| Who tracks CEUs?: | Individual or agency, as documentation should be provided to the Arkansas Department of Human Services with re-certification. |
| Is there a certification requirement for CPS Supervisors? If yes, provide details of requirements and relevant information.: | There is no certification requirement for supervisors. Individuals supervising CPS must have a license in good standing with the State of Arkansas to provide clinical behavioral health care, and follow the DBHS Behavioral Health Care Agency certification manual for Medicaid providers. |
| Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:: | |
| What are the different acronyms used to distinguish peer supporters and specific peer support specialties?: | Peer Support Specialist Youth Support Specialist Family Support Partner |
| Are Certified Peer Specialists services Medicaid reimbursable?: | Yes |
| How are peer support services paid for by the state? What specific Medicaid waivers are used, if any?: | |
| Is digital peer support available? Medicaid reimbursable?: | |
| Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?: | |
| Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization: | |
| Are there conferences held in the state specifically for Peer Supporters?: | From Past to Purpose' Arkansas' 1st Annual Region 6 Peer Recovery Conference was held September 2019. |
| Are there recognition or award opportunities for peer support specialists or Substance Use Peer Support Specialists?: | |
| Helpful Websites/ References: | |
| Additional Info: |
