The Montana House approved House Bill 76, 76 to 24, to add family peer support for families of children and youth with complex health needs to the scope of services regulated by the Board of Behavioral Health and to establish certification for family peer support specialists.

Representative Howell, sponsor of the bill from the Children and Families interim committee, said the certification is intended to ensure peer supporters working in hospitals, pediatric clinics, mental health centers, residential treatment centers, foster care programs and juvenile courts understand HIPAA, professional ethics and national standards. Howell said certification can improve outcomes for children by connecting families to early interventions, reducing out-of-state placements and shortening lengths of care.

The sponsor and proponents noted that 28 states have certification programs for family peer support and that certification helps providers feel comfortable hiring peer supporters. The bill would add a definition of family peer support and set eligibility and certification requirements. Supporters in committee and on the floor described the change as a workforce-strengthening measure to help families navigate care systems.

Motion and vote: Representative Howell moved that the committee recommend House Bill 76 "do pass." The clerk recorded 76 ayes and 24 no votes; the bill passed second reading.

Next steps: HB 76 will proceed to further legislative consideration and rulemaking by the Board of Behavioral Health if enacted.