This regulation governs the process by which the DC Office of Consumer and Family Affairs (OCFA) awards Certified Peer Specialist credentials to qualified applicants. To receive certification, applicants must complete required coursework, a field practicum, pass a certification examination, and sign the Peer Specialist Code of Ethics. Certificates are issued by the Department Director, are valid for two years, and may include specialty designations. This is an individual practitioner certification rule, not a facility licensing or operating standards rule.
View official source7310 AWARDING OF PEER SPECIALIST CERTIFICATION 7310.1 The OCFA shall verify that applicants have: Successfully completed the required classroom work; Successfully completed a field practicum; Received a passing score on the certification examination; and Signed the Peer Specialist Code of Ethics. 7310.2 After verifying that an applicant has met the requirements of this chapter for certification as a mental health peer specialist, the OCFA shall issue certificates, signed by the Director of the Department to each Certified Peer Specialist as evidence of completion of the Certification Program. 7310.3 Those applicants who have completed the specialty designation shall receive a certificate with that designation (e.g., Certified Peer Specialist – Family). 7310.4 Certification as a Certified Peer Specialist shall be valid for two (2) years from the date of issuance. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 58 DCR 11096 (December 23, 2011); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 61 DCR 7002 (July 11, 2014). District of Columbia Municipal Regulations Mental Health 22-A DCMR § 7310