1. (1) This curriculum shall provide at least forty (40) hours of instruction for original certification and twenty (20) hours for any and all re-certifications. The curriculum shall include the following components as they relate to the PSS's lived experience and recovery in order to assist in the identified client's strengths working towards recovery:

   1. (a) Etiology of mental illness and substance use disorders;
   2. (b) The stages of recovery from mental illness and substance use disorders;
   3. (c) The relapse prevention process;
   4. (d) Combating negative self-talk;
   5. (e) The Role of peer support in the recovery process and using your recovery story as a recovery tool;
   6. (f) Dynamics of change;
   7. (g) Ethics of peer support;

   8. (h) Professional relationships, boundaries and limits;

      1. (i) Scope of peer support;
   9. (j) Cultural competence: self-awareness - cultural identity;

   10. (k) Stigma and labeling;

       1. (l) Community resources to support individuals in recovery;
   11. (m) Assisting individuals in accomplishing recovery goals;
   12. (n) Coach, mentor, and role model recovery;
   13. (o) Assist in identification of natural, formal and informal supports;
   14. (p) Stress management techniques;
   15. (q) Assist individuals in reaching educational and vocational goals;
   16. (r) Crisis prevention; and
   17. (s) Assist with physical health and wellness.

2. (2) The curriculum shall include:

   1. (a) Active listening and communication skills; and
   2. (b) Basic motivational interviewing skills.
3. (3) The curriculum must include a strong emphasis on ethical behavior, dual relationships, scope of peer support and professional boundaries and should include case studies, role plays and experiential learning.

KEY: peer support specialists, PSS program, certification of programs, substance use disorder

Date of Last Change: November 9, 2025

Notice of Continuation: December 1, 2025

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 26B-5-102(2)(gg)