AB96 - Mental health services: peer support specialist certification.

Enrolled August 30, 2026 Passed IN Senate August 26, 2026 Passed IN Assembly January 26, 2026 Amended IN Assembly January 05, 2026 Amended IN Assembly February 11, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 96 Introduced by Assembly Member Jackson January 07, 2025 An act to amend Section 14045.15 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to Medi-Cal. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 96, Jackson. Mental health services: peer support specialist certification. Existing law establishes the Medi-Cal program, which is administered by the State Department of Health Care Services and under which qualified low-income persons receive health care benefits. The Medi-Cal program is, in part, governed and funded by federal Medicaid program provisions. Existing law establishes a schedule of benefits under the Medi-Cal program and provides for various services, including behavioral and mental health services that are rendered by Medi-Cal enrolled providers. Existing law authorizes a county, or an agency representing the county, to develop a peer support specialist certification program, subject to department approval. Existing law imposes specified requirements on applicants for certification as a peer support specialist, including that the applicant be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent degree. This bill would remove the requirement of possessing a high school diploma or equivalent degree from the requirements necessary for an applicant to receive certification. Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Bill Text The people of the State of California do enact as follows: SECTION 1. Section 14045.15 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read: 14045.15. (a) To receive a certification under this article, an applicant shall meet all of the following requirements: (1) Be at least 18 years of age. (2) Be self-identified as having experience with the process of recovery from mental illness or substance use disorder either as a consumer of these services or as the parent or family member of the consumer. (3) Be willing to share their experience. (4) Have a strong dedication to recovery. (5) Agree, in writing, to adhere to a code of ethics. (6) Successfully complete the curriculum and training requirements for a peer support specialist. (7) Pass a certification examination approved by the department for a peer support specialist. (b) To maintain certification under this article, a certified peer support specialist shall meet both of the following requirements: (1) Adhere to the code of ethics and biennially sign an affirmation. (2) Complete any required continuing education, training, and recertification requirements.