AN ACT CONCERNING MENTAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES PROVIDED BY CERTIFIED PEER COUNSELORS.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:

Section 1. (NEW) (Effective January 1, 2018) (a) For the purposes of this section: (1) "Certified peer counselor" means an individual certified by the Commissioner of Public Health to provide peer support services; and (2) "peer support services" means such nonmedical mental health care services and substance abuse services, as designated by the commissioner, that a certified peer counselor may provide to another individual.

(b) The commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54 of the general statutes, to provide for the certification of peer counselors. At a minimum, such regulations shall specify the: (1) Education and certification of certified peer counselors; and (2) peer support services a certified peer counselor may provide to another person.

Sec. 2. (NEW) (Effective January 1, 2018) Each individual health insurance policy providing coverage of the type specified in subdivisions (1), (2), (4), (11) and (12) of section 38a-469 of the general statutes delivered, issued for delivery, amended, renewed or continued in this state shall provide coverage for peer support services provided by a certified peer counselor. The Insurance Commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54 of the general statutes, to implement the purposes of this section.

Sec. 3. (NEW) (Effective January 1, 2018) Each group health insurance policy providing coverage of the type specified in subdivisions (1), (2), (4), (11) and (12) of section 38a-469 of the general statutes delivered, issued for delivery, amended, renewed or continued in this state shall provide coverage for peer support services provided by a certified peer counselor. The Insurance Commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54 of the general statutes, to implement the purposes of this section.