Arizona

Is there a state-endorsed certification process?

Yes, AHCCCS serves as Arizona's State Medicaid Program. The AHCCCS Office of Individual and Family Affairs (OIFA) oversees the policies governing the credentialing of individuals as Peer and Recovery Support Specialists (PRSS), including requirements for Peer Support Employment Training Programs (PSETP) issuing PRSS credentials. This process is established in AHCCCS Medical Policy Manual, Policy 963 (AMPM 963).

The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency did not change any part of the process.

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

The PRSS credential is integrated and inclusive of both mental health and substance use (collectively called "Behavioral Health"). Training programs may specialize in different areas to best meet the needs of the populations and tribal communities they serve, but there are no separate credentials for these specializations.

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

No educational requirements to apply for the training programs.

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

Individuals seeking credentialing and employment as a PRSS, shall:
a. Qualify as a Behavioral Health Paraprofessional (BHPP), Behavioral Health Technician (BHT), or Behavioral Health Professional (BHP),
b. Consent to sharing their PRSS credential with the Contractor and AHCCCS-registered providers for verifying compliance with this Policy, and
c. Self-identify as an individual who:
i. Has their own lived experience of mental health conditions, and/or substance use, for
which they have sought support, and
ii. Has an experience of sustained recovery to share.

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

Individuals seeking credentialing and employment as a PRSS, shall:
a. Qualify as a Behavioral Health Paraprofessional (BHPP), Behavioral Health Technician (BHT), or Behavioral Health Professional (BHP),
b. Consent to sharing their PRSS credential with the Contractor and AHCCCS-registered providers for verifying compliance with this Policy, and
c. Self-identify as an individual who:
i. Has their own lived experience of mental health conditions, and/or substance use, for
which they have sought support, and
ii. Has an experience of sustained recovery to share.

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

All applicants are screened using a standard interview tool (AMPM 963 Attachment B). This includes meeting lived experience requirements. They must pass a graduation exam with 80% or better score.

What is the average cost for CPS training?

Training costs and funding sources vary by training program. Training programs establish their own cost and any scholarship opportunities. Costs range from no-cost to $3,200.

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

Training costs and funding sources vary by training program. Training programs establish their own cost and any scholarship opportunities. Costs range from no-cost to $3,200.

Other potential funding sources.

Training costs and funding sources vary by training program. Training programs establish their own cost and any scholarship opportunities. Costs range from no-cost to $3,200.

Is there a state-wide certification test?

There is no single state-wide exam at this time. Each training program develops its own final, graduating exam. No additional fees are associated with these exams.

What are the personal/professional requirements for certification, if they differ from attending the training?

No additional personal or professional requirements are established by the state. Individual training programs may have additional personal and professional requirements.

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

For training and/or credentialing, no background check is required. A criminal record does not disqualify an individual for training and/or credentialing.

What is the cost of the certification test?

There is no single state-wide exam at this time. Each training program develops its own final, graduating exam. No additional fees are associated with these exams.

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

PRSS is a credential, not a certificate. It does not expire. PRSS do not have to regularly take a credentialing test or re-credential.

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

There are no additional costs incurred by those seeking credentialing and those who are already credentialed.

Is there a statewide certification body?

AHCCCS OIFA sets the policy requirements for Peer Support Employment Training Programs (PSETP). Each AHCCCS health plan has an OIFA. All members of each OIFA, including AHCCCS OIFA, comprise the OIFA Alliance. The OIFA Alliance oversees the review process for recognizing new programs, including the setting of program requirements, terms, and conditions for recognition. Members of the OIFA Alliance evaluate all submitted training materials for compliance with AHCCCS Policy requirements prior to issuing or withholding recognition. All PSETPs must be AHCCCS-registered providers and contracted with one or more AHCCCS health plans. PSETPs compliant with AHCCCS Policy issue the PRSS credentials. These credentials are then recognized by the State as valid for Medicaid reimbursement of peer support services.

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

AHCCCS OIFA sets the policy requirements for Peer Support Employment Training Programs (PSETP). Each AHCCCS health plan has an OIFA. All members of each OIFA, including AHCCCS OIFA, comprise the OIFA Alliance. The OIFA Alliance oversees the review process for recognizing new programs, including the setting of program requirements, terms, and conditions for recognition. Members of the OIFA Alliance evaluate all submitted training materials for compliance with AHCCCS Policy requirements prior to issuing or withholding recognition. All PSETPs must be AHCCCS-registered providers and contracted with one or more AHCCCS health plans. PSETPs compliant with AHCCCS Policy issue the PRSS credentials. These credentials are then recognized by the State as valid for Medicaid reimbursement of peer support services.

Where can information be found for upcoming peer support trainings?

Individuals can find a list of AHCCCS-recognized training programs on the AHCCCS website. https://www.azahcccs.gov/AHCCCS/HealthcareAdvocacy/OIFA/peersupport.html. Individual training programs determine the frequency of their training programs, and whether it is online, in-person, or hybrid.

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

Individuals can find a list of AHCCCS-recognized training programs on the AHCCCS website. https://www.azahcccs.gov/AHCCCS/HealthcareAdvocacy/OIFA/peersupport.html. Individual training programs determine the frequency of their training programs, and whether it is online, in-person, or hybrid.

Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.

The State of Arizona does not train or credential PRSS. All training and credentialing are provided by third-party programs in compliance with AHCCCS Policy. The OIFA Alliance determines compliance with AHCCCS Policy requirements (see above).
A full list of all training programs can be found here, under "Peer/Recovery Support Specialist Credentialing"
https://azahcccs.gov/AHCCCS/HealthcareAdvocacy/OIFA/peersupport.html

What are the continuing education requirements?

Only individuals employed as PRSS and providing peer support services are required to obtain 4 hours of continuing education and ongoing learning relevant to peer support per year. These opportunities are provided by their employers from a variety of no-cost resources, such as SAMHSA and Doors to Wellbeing webinars, trainings through Relias, and courses offered by the Peer and Family Career Academy (https://www.azpfca.org/). At least one hour must be related to ethics and boundaries. Continuing education and ongoing learning is reported by PRSS employers to AHCCS health plans quarterly.

Who tracks CEUs?

Only individuals employed as PRSS and providing peer support services are required to obtain 4 hours of continuing education and ongoing learning relevant to peer support per year. These opportunities are provided by their employers from a variety of no-cost resources, such as SAMHSA and Doors to Wellbeing webinars, trainings through Relias, and courses offered by the Peer and Family Career Academy (https://www.azpfca.org/). At least one hour must be related to ethics and boundaries. Continuing education and ongoing learning is reported by PRSS employers to AHCCS health plans quarterly.

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

PRSS supervisors do not have separate credentialing requirements. However, they are required to have access to and encouraged to participate in continuing education and ongoing learning relevant to peer support.

Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:

The PRSS credential is integrated and inclusive of both mental health and substance use (collectively called "Behavioral Health"). Training programs may specialize in different areas to best meet the needs of the populations and tribal communities they serve, but there are no separate credentials for these specializations.

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

The PRSS credential is integrated and inclusive of both mental health and substance use (collectively called "Behavioral Health"). Training programs may specialize in different areas to best meet the needs of the populations and tribal communities they serve, but there are no separate credentials for these specializations.

Are Certified Peer Specialists services Medicaid reimbursable?

Peer support services were added to the AHCCCS State Plan in 2010. AHCCCS Policy AMPM 963 complies with requirements in State Medicaid Director Letter dated August 15, 2007 (SMDL 07-011). Peer support services provided by PRSS are Medicaid reimbursable through an AHCCCS health plan to their employing provider. AHCCCS operates many of its programs, including peer support, under an 1115 Waiver.

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

Peer support services were added to the AHCCCS State Plan in 2010. AHCCCS Policy AMPM 963 complies with requirements in State Medicaid Director Letter dated August 15, 2007 (SMDL 07-011). Peer support services provided by PRSS are Medicaid reimbursable through an AHCCCS health plan to their employing provider. AHCCCS operates many of its programs, including peer support, under an 1115 Waiver.

Is digital peer support available? Medicaid reimbursable?

Peer support services may be provided virtually and are Medicaid reimbursable. The payment mechanism is the same as for in-person services.

Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?

The Peer and Family Career Academy (PFCA). The Academy increases access to evidence-based peer-to-peer and family-to-family programs to help people with mental health and/or substance use-related needs achieve whole-person wellness goals. This is done through the following:
1) offering professional development and advanced-level training to peer and family support professionals;
2) providing support and peer-to-peer networking opportunities for industry professionals; and
3) working with social service delivery systems and healthcare provider organizations to expand the use of peer and family support services into non-traditional settings. https://www.azpfca.org/pfca 855-829-7322

Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization*

The Peer and Family Career Academy (PFCA). The Academy increases access to evidence-based peer-to-peer and family-to-family programs to help people with mental health and/or substance use-related needs achieve whole-person wellness goals. This is done through the following:
1) offering professional development and advanced-level training to peer and family support professionals;
2) providing support and peer-to-peer networking opportunities for industry professionals; and
3) working with social service delivery systems and healthcare provider organizations to expand the use of peer and family support services into non-traditional settings. https://www.azpfca.org/pfca 855-829-7322

Peer Specialists Organization Website*

The Peer and Family Career Academy (PFCA). The Academy increases access to evidence-based peer-to-peer and family-to-family programs to help people with mental health and/or substance use-related needs achieve whole-person wellness goals. This is done through the following:
1) offering professional development and advanced-level training to peer and family support professionals;
2) providing support and peer-to-peer networking opportunities for industry professionals; and
3) working with social service delivery systems and healthcare provider organizations to expand the use of peer and family support services into non-traditional settings. https://www.azpfca.org/pfca 855-829-7322

Peer Specialists Organization Primary Contact*

The Peer and Family Career Academy (PFCA). The Academy increases access to evidence-based peer-to-peer and family-to-family programs to help people with mental health and/or substance use-related needs achieve whole-person wellness goals. This is done through the following:
1) offering professional development and advanced-level training to peer and family support professionals;
2) providing support and peer-to-peer networking opportunities for industry professionals; and
3) working with social service delivery systems and healthcare provider organizations to expand the use of peer and family support services into non-traditional settings. https://www.azpfca.org/pfca 855-829-7322

Other relevant/helpful contacts:*

For any questions regarding or related to the PRSS credentialing process, please direct all correspondence to [email protected]

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

The Arizona Peer and Family Career Academy host an annual conference. Information can be found on their website at https://www.azpfca.org/.

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

The Peer and Family Career Academy held its first annual conference in 2023. The conference's awards ceremony recognized the work of peer supports and community advocates. The "Tony Smith - Passing the Torch Award" honored the legacy of Tony's leadership, encouraging and fostering excellence in peer support. Tony was the OIFA administrator for Arizona Complete Health for many years and led his team in expanding peer support into many communities, including Tribal Nations and the correctional system.

Helpful Websites/ References*

AMPM Policy 963: https://azahcccs.gov/shared/Downloads/MedicalPolicyManual/900/963.pdf AHCCCS OIFA

Peer Support web page: https://azahcccs.gov/AHCCCS/HealthcareAdvocacy/OIFA/peersupport.html

Additional Info*

Terminology for peer support used in Arizona is different from other states. e.g., "Credentialing" versus "Certifying" and "Recognizing compliance" versus "Approving". This policy-based language is intentional and not semantic since the "certification process" is conceptualized differently. The credential in Arizona does not expire. The total number of "peer specialists" reported above reflects the total number of individuals who have been credentialed since 2012, and does not represent the number who are actively providing peer support services.

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

AHCCCS serves as Arizona's State Medicaid Program. The AHCCCS Office of Individual and Family Affairs (OIFA) oversees the policies governing the credentialing of individuals as Peer and Recovery Support Specialists (PRSS), including requirements for Peer Support Employment Training Programs (PSETP) issuing PRSS credentials. This process is established in AHCCCS Medical Policy Manual, Policy 963 (AMPM 963).

The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency did not change any part of the process.

Is the Certification curriculum peer-led and/or peer developed?

The policy governing the credentialing process (AMPM 963) was developed between 2010 and 2012 in response to CMS requirements in SMDL 07-011. The developers were peers, family members, peer support specialists, leadership from Peer Run Organizations and the PSETPs operating at that time. AHCCCS OIFA oversees AMPM 963 and the office is staffed entirely by peers and family members.

Are there any potential Barriers to certification and post certification employment?

For training and/or credentialing, no background check is required. A criminal record does not disqualify an individual for training and/or credentialing. & AHCCCS only sets qualification requirements. There are no personal or professional disqualifications set by AHCCCS aside from not meeting requirements of AHCCCS Policy. Failure to meet those qualification requirements would disqualify an individual seeking credentialing. For all other potential requirements and/or exclusions not covered by AHCCCS Policy, PSETPs have final determination for admitting applicants to their credentialing program.

Are certification trainings offered in-person, online, or hybrid?

Individuals can find a list of AHCCCS recognized training programs on the AHCCCS website. https://www.azahcccs.gov/AHCCCS/HealthcareAdvocacy/OIFA/peersupport.html. Individual training programs determine the frequency of their training programs, and whether it is online, in-person or hybrid.

Is there a recent count of the # of Peer Specialists in this state? What is the count, and the day this count was captured?

125 (2024)

How does the state/certification body approve Peer support training vendors?

The State of Arizona does not train or credential PRSS. All training and credentialing are provided by third party programs in compliance with AHCCCS Policy. The OIFA Alliance determines compliance with AHCCCS Policy requirements (see above).
A full list of all training programs can be found here, under "Peer/Recovery Support Specialist Credentialing" https://azahcccs.gov/AHCCCS/HealthcareAdvocacy/OIFA/peersupport.html

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