PEER Support Act Creates Official Job Code for Recovery Specialists, Mandates Federal Background Check Review

The Providing Empathetic and Effective Recovery Support Act, or the PEER Support Act, is a major move toward recognizing and professionalizing a crucial part of the mental health and substance use recovery landscape: the peer support specialist. Think of this as the legislation that finally gives the person who helped you through your toughest times an official seat at the table—and a career path.

What the Bill Actually Does

This bill has three core objectives. First, it formally defines a “peer support specialist” as someone with lived experience in recovery (or a caregiver who navigated the system) who is officially certified by their state or the Secretary of Health and Human Services (SEC. 2). These specialists are required to follow national practice guidelines, meaning the services they offer should be consistent and evidence-based. Second, it mandates that the federal government officially recognize this role. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) must create a specific job category for peer support specialists in the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system by January 1, 2026 (SEC. 3). This might sound bureaucratic, but it’s huge: it standardizes data collection, helps define fair wages, and legitimizes the profession across the economy.

The New Office of Recovery and Career Paths

The PEER Support Act also establishes a new Office of Recovery within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (SEC. 4). Critically, this office must be led by a Director who has lived experience in recovery, in addition to professional expertise. This new office is tasked with boosting the profession by supporting training, certification, and, most importantly, retention. For someone working as a peer specialist, this means the government will be actively working on creating real career paths, not just dead-end jobs. This is a big win for the workforce, offering professional development and stability in a field that often relies on passion and personal sacrifice.

Fixing the Background Check Hurdle

Perhaps the most practical and impactful section is the mandate for a comprehensive federal review of state criminal background check policies (SEC. 5). The irony of peer support is that the best specialists often have past criminal justice involvement tied to their substance use or mental health history. Yet, overly strict state background check rules frequently block these qualified individuals from getting certified and working. The bill requires a report—due within one year—that compares these rules against those for other Medicaid providers. The goal? To offer recommendations to states on how to set up background check processes that make it easier, not harder to get certified. For a person who has turned their life around and wants to help others, this could remove a massive, unfair barrier to employment and purpose.

The Real-World Impact

If you or a loved one are seeking help for a mental health or substance use disorder, this bill means better, more professional, and more standardized care. The person providing support won't just be an enthusiastic volunteer; they’ll be a certified professional backed by national standards and a federal office dedicated to their success. For states, this means better technical assistance in building effective recovery programs. While the requirement for national standards is slightly vague—referencing guidelines from groups like the National Association of Peer Supporters without specifying the content—the overall direction is clear: elevate the role of lived experience in the recovery system and ensure that those who have walked the path can effectively guide others.