Recommendations
The NC Peer Support Expert Commission (the “Commission”) was convened in April 2020 to consider the occupational regulation of peer support practice and related matters, then provide recommendations to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services (the “Division”). Link to Commission member list.
What is this recommendation document?
On July 1, 2020, the Commission provided the Division with Recommendations for the creation of a Peer Support Certification Oversight Board. The Division is currently reviewing and considering this document. This is an overview document that explains:
- occupational regulation in North Carolina,
- how that regulation approach applies to the practice of peer support, and
- suggestions for bringing the regulation of peer support into better alignment with that regulation system and best practices.
The Commission also provided the Division with some proposed language designed to carry out the recommendations suggested in this overview document. That part of the proposal is also being reviewed by the Division and is evolving. It will be posted for public review and comment in the coming months.
How were these recommendations created?
These recommendations are the result of a collaborative process. That process included analyzing lessons learned and research into national and international examples of best practices. Links to all references cited in the recommendations are provided below.
Why is this being posted now?
A founding principle of the Commission was to follow a transparent process. The member list has been posted and meeting notes are posted regularly. To maintain a transparent process, the recommendations are being posted now. It is important to remember, however, that these are suggestions. This is the beginning of a process that will unfold over time. We are not in the public comment phase yet, but there will be an opportunity for full review and comment in the coming months.
What happens next and when can the public comment on this process?
The next step in the process is for the Division to review, consider, and communicate with the Commission regarding the recommendations and proposed language for carrying them out. There will be a public comment period in the coming months regarding the recommendations and proposed language. Please check back for more details as they become available.
Links to references cited in the recommendations:
Bringing NC into better alignment with best practices
GAO Report
White paper: Best practices in peer support: It all starts here
Program Evaluation Division Report (occupational regulation)
SAMHSA's working definition of recovery