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Bill would certify peer specialists, define recovery community organizations in Georgia
Summary
Sponsor said HB 657, requested by the Georgia Recovery Council and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, would create certification standards for peer specialists and define recovery community organizations to protect the integrity of peer support across the state.
A bill before the committee would create state certification standards for peer specialists and define requirements for recovery community organizations (RCOs).
The sponsor said House Bill 657 was requested by the Georgia Recovery Council and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD). The measure would certify different classes of peer specialists, define what constitutes a recovery community organization, and set basic operating requirements to assure consistent quality of peer support across the state.
"It defines what a recovery community organization is and lays out some basic operating requirements for them so that it protects the integrity of this network," the presenter said, adding the intent is to ensure people in recovery receive consistent, quality peer support. (Presenter, HB 657.)
Committee members did not record a vote during the hearing. The sponsor framed the bill as a quality-control and consumer-protection measure for recovery services.
Why it matters: Certification and minimum operating standards could standardize peer-support services statewide and affect DBHDD contracting, provider practices and people seeking recovery services.
Next steps: HB 657 was presented and may proceed through ordinary committee deliberations; no recorded vote was taken during this session.
