Michigan

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Is there a state-endorsed certification process?: 

Yes

Does the state differentiate between Mental Health Peer Support Specialists and Substance Use Peer Support Specialists?: 

Yes, Mental Health Peer support specialist are referred to as "Certified Peer Support Specialist" while substance use peer support specialists are referred to as "Peer Recovery Coaches"

What are the educational requirements to apply for a peer specialist training program?: 

None but some hiring agencies have education requirements of a high school diploma or GED.

What are the personal requirements to apply for a peer specialist training program?: 

* Have a serious mental Illness as outlined in the Medicaid Provider Manual
* Has received public mental health services currently or in the past
* At least 18 years of age

What are the professional requirements needed to apply for a peer specialist training program?: 

Provide at least 10 hours per week of peer support services with supported documentation written in the IPOS (Individual Plan of Service)
Work a minimum of 90 days as a peer specialists within the Community Mental Health Services Program. Complete application for peer support specialist certification including supervisor signature and two letters of recommendation. Complete phone and peer to peer interview with trainers of state curriculum.
Must be Able to prevent transmission of communicable disease; able to communicate expressively and receptively in order to follow individual plan requirements and beneficiary-specific emergency procedures, and to report on activities performed; and in good standing with the law (i.e., not a fugitive from justice, a convicted felon who is either under jurisdiction or whose felony relates to the kind of duty to be performed, or an illegal alien)

What are the training requirements to become a Certified Peer Specialist?: 

After Application Approval; 56 hour in person training program - requests for special accommodations, dietary needs, and emergency contact are included as a part of the registration for training.

What is the average cost for CPS training?: 

Who is responsible for paying for training? (List all): 



Other potential funding sources.: 



Is there a state-wide certification test?: 
Following application approval and training, individuals must pass a handwritten in person exam with a minimum grade of 71%. Accommodations made be made by request.
What are the personal/professional requirements for certification, if they differ from attending the training?: 



Is a background check required? If so, is a criminal record a disqualification for certification?: 

Yes, "in good standing with the law (i.e., not a fugitive from justice, a convicted felon who is either under jurisdiction or whose felony relates to the kind of duty to be performed, or an illegal alien). "

What is the cost of the certification test?: 

Does the certification test need to be taken regularly to maintain certification?: 



Aside from any fees for the training or state-wide certification test, are there other certification fees/costs?: 

Is there a statewide certification body?: 

Yes, the State of Michigan through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Please provide as much information about the certification board/body as possible.: 



Where can information be found for upcoming peer support trainings?: 



On average, how often are trainings held in your state?: 

Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.: 

Appalachian Consulting Group (ACG) Senior Trainer (for Peer Support Specialists)

What are the continuing education requirements?: 



Who tracks CEUs?: 

Is there a certification requirement for CPS Supervisors? If yes, provide details of requirements and relevant information.: 



Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:: 

Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS), Peer Recovery Coach, Veteran Peer Support Specialist, Youth peer support services

What are the different acronyms used to distinguish peer supporters and specific peer support specialties?: 

CPSS: Certified Peer Support Specialist CPRM - Certified Peer Recovery Mentor

Are Certified Peer Specialists services Medicaid reimbursable?: 

Yes

How are peer support services paid for by the state? What specific Medicaid waivers are used, if any?: 

Michigan's Medicaid State Plan and federally approved 1919(b) waiver and 1915(c) Habitation Supports Wavier (HSW) - community-based mental health, substance abuse and developmental disability specialty services and supports are covered by Medicaid when deliver under the auspices of an approved Prepaid Inpatient Health Plan (PIHP) - certified as a Community Mental Health Services Program (CMHSP)

Is digital peer support available? Medicaid reimbursable?: 



Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?: 

Yes

Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization: 

Michigan Peer Specialists United

Peer Specialists Organization Website: 

https://mpsupeers.org/

Peer Specialists Organization Primary Contact: 



Other relevant/helpful contacts:: 

Pam Werner wernerp@michigan.gov
517-335-4078

Are there conferences held in the state specifically for Peer Supporters?: 

Michigan Peer Conference

Are there recognition or award opportunities for peer support specialists or Substance Use Peer Support Specialists?: 



Helpful Websites/ References: 

https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71550_2941_4871_4877_48561-8...

https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdhhs/MCPSSP_Application_Approval_Pro...

Additional Info: 



If there are recent changes to the certification process due to COVID-19, are the changes permanent, temporary or other?: