An Act to create a peer support services program.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of South Dakota:

Section 1. That a NEW SECTION be added:

28-1-85. Peer support services program—Establishment.

The Department of Social Services shall establish a peer support services program to promote recovery for individuals with behavioral health disorders.

A provider of peer support services shall be licensed as a peer support specialist and shall have:

(1) Life experience and success in the recovery process; and

(2) The education and skills necessary to provide therapeutic support to persons with behavioral health disorders.

Section 2. That a NEW SECTION be added:

28-1-86. Peer support specialist—Scope of practice.

A licensed peer support specialist may provide non-clinical, person-centered support to persons with behavioral health disorders through:

(1) Face-to-face interactions that support a person achieving recovery, including:

(a) Serving as a role model for recovery and wellness;

(b) Sharing positive strategies for developing coping skills;

(c) Identifying ways to achieve personal recovery goals;

(d) Promoting self-advocacy; and

(e) Assisting in the identification of personal strengths and appropriate services;

(2) Peer-to-peer group facilitation using evidence-based practices; and

(3) Mentoring activities that include providing:

(a) A linkage to community resources; and

(b) Support for day-to-day problem solving efforts.

The type and intensity of services provided must be determined on a person-by-person basis, taking into account the acuity of the situation for the person receiving services and the experience of the peer support specialist.

Section 3. That a NEW SECTION be added:

28-1-87. Peer support services program.

The Department of Social Services shall establish a program to provide peer support services.

The department shall promulgate rules, in accordance with chapter 1-26, to:

(1) Define the scope of practice applicable to a peer support specialist;

(2) Establish the conditions for initial licensure, including forms, fees, and educational and examination requirements;

(3)(2) Establish the duration of a license, renewal provisions, renewal fees, and conditions for suspension or revocation;

(4)(3) Establish requirements for continuing education;

(5)(4) Establish requirements for supervision of peer support specialists;

(6)(5) Establish professional and ethical standards applicable to peer support specialists; and

(7)(6) Provide for any other standards necessary to ensure the health and safety of persons receiving peer support services.

The funding for this program must be budgeted and expended through the general appropriations act, pursuant to chapter 4-7.