Montana Code Annotated 2017

TITLE 37. PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS

CHAPTER 38. BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PEER SUPPORT SPECIALISTS

Part 1. General Provisions

Definitions

37-38-102. Definitions. As used in this chapter, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Behavioral health" includes a person with a diagnosis of:

(a) a mental disorder, as that term is defined in 53-21-102; or

(b) chemical dependency, as that term is defined in 53-24-103.

(2) "Behavioral health peer support" means the use of a peer support specialist's personal experience with a behavioral health disorder to provide support, mentoring, guidance, and advocacy and to offer hope to individuals with behavioral health disorders.

(3) "Board" means the board of behavioral health established under 2-15-1744.

(4) "Certified behavioral health peer support specialist" means a person who:

(a) has experienced and is in recovery from a behavioral health disorder;

(b) has obtained the education and skills needed to provide therapeutic support to individuals with behavioral health disorders; and

(c) possesses a valid and current certification.

(5) "Mental health professional" means:

(a) a physician licensed under Title 37, chapter 3;

(b) a psychologist licensed under Title 37, chapter 17;

(c) a social worker licensed under Title 37, chapter 22;

(d) a professional counselor licensed under Title 37, chapter 23;

(e) an advanced practice registered nurse, as provided for in 37-8-202, with a clinical specialty in psychiatric mental health nursing;

(f) a marriage and family therapist licensed under Title 37, chapter 37; or

(g) a licensed addiction counselor licensed under Title 37, chapter 35.

History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 127, L. 2017.