Is there a state-endorsed certification process?

Yes

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

We offer an integrated certification.

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

At least high school diploma or GED.

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

Have demonstrated recovery from a mental illness, substance use disorder or both
At least 18 years of age
Willing to self-disclose about their personal recovery journey
Possess good moral character

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

Complete online application and mail in supporting documents.
Applications must be submitted at least 14 days prior to training as being able to attend training is dependent on the Department approving a person's eligibility to attend training.
Agree to respect and observe the PRSS Code of Ethics which must be signed and mailed with their Application Inventory Form to ODMHSAS before being assigned to a training.

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

Must attend training, identify as someone in recovery, share story during training, and pass exam.

What is the average cost for CPS training?

No cost to individual for training.

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

No cost to individual for training.

Other potential funding sources.

No cost to individual for training.

Is there a state-wide certification test?

Yes, must take and pass exam at the end of training. Application fee is $25.00; no training or exam fee; we evaluate application waivers on a case by case basis.

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

Pass an examination and successfully share your recovery story based on standards promulgated by ODMHSAS after completing the training.

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

Same as previous. Also, while ODMHSAS is the certifying body, Oklahoma Healthcare Authority is the Medicaid billing agency. There are instances when an individual meets criteria to be certified, but is unapproved by OHCA to bill Medicaid.

What is the cost of the certification test?

Yes, must take and pass exam at the end of training. Application fee is $25.00; no training or exam fee; we evaluate application waivers on a case by case basis.

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

No. Annual Continuing Education Units (9, with 3 hours of Ethics, for a total of 12) are required for renewal of certification.

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

$25 application fee (initial certification) $15 annual renewal fee $25 late fee (added to $15 renewal fee if submitting renewal paperwork after December 31st.)

Is there a statewide certification body?

Yes. ODMHSAS administers the training and exam.

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

Yes. ODMHSAS administers the training and exam.

Where can information be found for upcoming peer support trainings?

Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services website: https://www.ok.gov/odmhsas/Mental_Health/Certified_Peer_Recovery_Support...

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

One per month

Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.

ODMHSAS Training Institute 2000 N. Classen Blvd. Suite 2-600, East Tower, 6th Floor Oklahoma City,
OK 73106-9913 (405) 248-9191 (delete other previously reported locations); Also, we have virtual training offerings now.

What are the continuing education requirements?

Certifications must be renewed annually by completing the on-line renewal process. Each year, Certified PRSS's are expected to complete 12 hours of continuing education units, 3 of which must be in Ethics.

Who tracks CEUs?

Individuals are responsible for tracking their CEUs and enter them into the database between August 1st and December 31st.

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

PRSS Supervisors are required to complete PRSS Supervisor Training but no certification is required.

Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:

We offer an integrated certification.

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

We offer an integrated certification.

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?

Medicaid under OAC 317:30-5-240

Is digital peer support available? Medicaid reimbursable?

Yes and yes.

Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?

No

Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization*

N/A

Peer Specialists Organization Website*

N/A

Peer Specialists Organization Primary Contact*

N/A

Other relevant/helpful contacts:*

Jae Jackson McConnell Email: [email protected] 405-227-1164
M.J. Clausen Email: [email protected] 405-248-9240

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

We have several peer support focused sessions at our annual Momentum Conference (https://oklahoma.gov/odmhsas/trainings/conferences/momentum-conference…).

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

OCARTA is a peer run organization located in Oklahoma City; they give out "Peer of the Year" awards at their annual recovery rally (https://www.ocartaoklahoma.org/).

Additional Info*

None

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

Training is being conducted via Zoom

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

In part peer developed by our Training Institute; edited and reviewed by Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialists.

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