The bill establishes oversight and qualifications for peer recovery specialists, who are defined as individuals providing services based on their lived experience with substance use disorder or mental health issues. The Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety is tasked with determining certification standards, evaluating applicants, conducting hearings, setting processing fees, and addressing other necessary oversight items. Certified peer recovery specialists are prohibited from engaging in professional relationships that could conflict with their duties, exploiting peer relationships for personal gain, and accepting individuals with whom they have personal relationships as peers for recovery services.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that individuals may not provide services as peer recovery specialists unless approved by the director. However, it allows for certain exceptions, including self-help and sponsorship activities, services provided by designated employees of private employers, clergy performing ministerial duties, and activities of students or interns in counseling programs. The director is also required to promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions of the act, which will take effect 13 months after its enactment.