BILL NUMBER: S1796
SPONSOR: FERNANDEZ
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the social services law, in relation to including
services provided by certified recovery peer advocates and certain
services provided at inpatient facilities as part of standard coverage
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To provide coverage for services provided by certified recovery peer
advocates.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Sections 1 and 2 amend social services law to include certified recovery
peer advocate programs.
Section 3 establishes the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
OASAS defines a Peer Advocate as an individual who uses their knowledge
acquired through lived experience related to substance use, to support
the recovery goals of individuals who use drugs and/or alcohol. Peers
are natural support experts, meaning that the relationships they estab-
lish can lead to increased feelings of support, safety, and wellbeing
among the individuals they serve. Through a combination of lived expe-
rience and professional training, peers can provide an array of face-to-
face peer support services with a client. Many substance use disorder
programs utilize peer advocates in their treatment plans, but currently
cannot bill for those essential services. Allowing them to do so will
allow providers to continue to utilize these irreplaceable team members
and get reimbursed.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S8325
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:;
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S1796: 365-a social services law, 365-a(2) social services law