Peer-Support Specialist Act of 2017
This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to eligible entities to develop and sustain behavioral health paraprofessional training and education programs, including through tuition support. Eligible entities are community colleges, training or credentialing programs, and other entities deemed appropriate by HHS.
HHS must report on and publish best practices and professional standards in states for: (1) establishing and operating health care programs using peer-support specialists, and (2) training and certifying peer-support specialists.