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HB 3599

Relating to the certification of peer specialists and peer specialist supervisors for purposes of Medicaid mental health and substance use services.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Barbara Gervin-Hawkins

Texas bill creates Medicaid certification standards for peer specialists and supervisors in mental health and substance use treatment services to expand recovery support workforce.

Referred to Human Services
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Bill Summary · HB 3599

Legislative bill overview

HB 3599 establishes a certification framework for peer specialists and peer specialist supervisors who provide mental health and substance use disorder services covered by Medicaid in Texas. The bill creates standards and requirements for these individuals to obtain official certification and work within the state's mental health system, expanding the role of people with lived experience in treatment delivery.

Why is this important

Peer specialists—individuals in recovery who help others—have demonstrated effectiveness in supporting mental health and substance use treatment outcomes. Formalizing their certification through Medicaid ensures quality standards, worker protections, and allows more treatment providers to bill Medicaid for peer-delivered services, potentially increasing access to care while reducing costs compared to traditional clinician-delivered services.

Potential points of contention

  • Certification burden and cost: Creating new certification requirements could create barriers for lived-experience workers who may lack formal education credentials, potentially limiting workforce growth and excluding those without resources to complete certification programs
  • Scope and supervision: The bill's undefined details around supervisor requirements and oversight could either inadequately protect consumers or create excessive bureaucratic requirements that limit peer specialists' autonomy and job availability
  • Reimbursement rates: How Medicaid will reimburse peer specialist services compared to traditional providers remains unclear—insufficient rates could undermine the cost-effectiveness advantage while overly generous rates could face political opposition

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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