Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services intends to consider promulgating 12VAC35-250, Peer Recovery Specialists. The purpose of the proposed action is to establish the qualifications, education, and experience for peer recovery specialists to ensure that individuals providing peer recovery services in Virginia's public system of behavioral health services demonstrate a baseline of practical knowledge. The availability of peer recovery specialist services is expected to expand through the Virginia Medicaid Addiction and Recovery Treatment Services (ARTS) new substance use disorder benefit. Under the ARTS benefit, peer support services will be made available to Medicaid members effective July 1, 2017. Peer support resources will be an integral component of community integration, wellness, resiliency, and recovery.

The agency intends to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: §§ 37.2-203 and 37.2-304 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: June 28, 2017.

Agency Contact: Ruth Anne Walker, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Jefferson Building, 1220 Bank Street, 11th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 225-2252, FAX (804) 786-8623, or email ruthanne.walker@dbhds.virginia.gov.