12VAC35-250-40: Minimum standards for certifying bodies

DBHDS may approve a certification obtained from a certifying body that requires its certificate holders to:

1. Adhere to a code of ethics that is substantially comparable to the Virginia Peer Recovery Specialist Code of Ethics, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, effective April 4, 2017.

2. Have at least one year of recovery for persons having lived experience with mental illness or substance use disorder conditions, or lived experience as a family member of someone with mental illness or substance use disorder conditions.

3. Complete at least 46 hours of training from the list of curriculum subjects in 12VAC35-250-50.

4. Obtain a passing score on an examination offered by the certifying body testing knowledge of the curriculum subjects identified in 12VAC35-250-50.

5. Obtain and document at least 500 hours of supervised paid or volunteer experience providing peer recovery support services in the three years prior to applying for certification. The experience hours shall have been in nonclinical, peer-to-peer recovery-oriented support activities designed to address an individual's recovery and wellness goals.