Bill to reclassify licensed professional counselors and recognize peer support specialists draws support

The House Human Services Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2,079, which would amend state code to classify licensed professional counselors as Tier 2 mental‑health professionals and add a definition for certified peer support specialists.

Dr. Don Kroner of the Department of Health and Human Services Behavioral Health Division said the department requested the change to reflect current training and supervision of licensed professional counselors and to expand workforce capacity for tasks designated for Tier 2 professionals, including investigation and evaluation of petitions. "There are currently 195 licensed professional counselors in the state of North Dakota," Kroner said, noting that many already practice and bill independently.

The bill would also formally recognize certified peer support specialists as Tier 2 practitioners. "Peer support is a nationally recognized service and is now considered a best practice in both mental health and substance use treatment and recovery," Kroner said, adding that peer support supplements clinical care by offering lived‑experience support and reducing stigma.

Advocates and protection organizations testified in support of the change. Denise Harvey of the North Dakota Protection and Advocacy Project said recognition of peer support is an important step and thanked the department for the proposal. Committee members asked whether the change affects mandatory reporter status and HIPAA obligations; Kroner said it would affect mandated‑reporter requirements and that he would verify applicable HIPAA implications.

The committee held the hearing and did not record a committee vote during the session.