This bill establishes certification standards for peer support specialists within the Kansas healthcare system, under the authority of the secretary for aging and disability services. It mandates that the secretary provide training and certification opportunities, including a requirement for background checks through the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The bill outlines specific service hour limits for different levels of peer support specialists and allows for telehealth services to be reimbursed by Medicaid. Additionally, the secretary is authorized to adopt necessary rules and regulations to implement these provisions.

The bill amends K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 22-4715 to include the secretary for aging and disability services as an entity that can request criminal history record checks for applicants seeking peer support specialist certification. It also repeals the existing section of K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 22-4715, streamlining the process for background checks related to certification. The overall aim of the legislation is to enhance the quality and accessibility of peer support services in Kansas, particularly through the integration of telehealth options.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 40-2, 22-4715, 45-229