1. (1) Requirements.

   1. (a) The minimum age requirement is 18 years.
   2. (b) The candidate must be an emergency responder or a chaplain of an emergency services agency.
   3. (c) The candidate must have completed training in critical stress management or peer support by a recognized training agency.
   4. (d) The candidate must be designated in writing by a sheriff, police chief fire chief, or other head of a law enforcement agency to provide peer support services to an emergency responder or the spouse of an emergency responder.

   5. (e) Examination.

      1. 1. There will be an examination for state certification provided by the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards & Education Commission.
      2. 2. An overall score of 70% is required for the successful completion of these examinations.
      3. 3. Re-test may be taken after 30 days and within 12 months of course completion.
      4. 4. All certification testing, to include re-testing, must be completed within 12 months of the course completion date.

2. (2) Administration

   1. (a) Scope. This standard identifies the professional levels of competence required of the Peer Support Member.
   2. (b) Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to specify, in terms of performance objectives, the minimum requirements of professional competence required for service as a Peer Support Member.

   3. (c) General

      1. 1. The candidate shall meet all of the requirements for this standard before being certified as a Peer Support Member.
      2. 2. Each performance objective for the Peer Support Member shall be performed swiftly, safely, and with competence. Each objective shall be met in its entirety.
      3. 3. It is not required for the objectives to be mastered in the order they appear.

3. (3) Objectives

   1. (a) The objectives of this standard are based on the ability of the Peer Support Member to demonstrate knowledge and skills as outlined in the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards & Education Commission Curriculum for Peer Support Member, current edition.

Author: David M. Russell

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§36-32-1 thru 36-32-12.

History: New Rule: Published May 31, 2022; effective July 15, 2022.