(1) Except as specified in subsection (2) of this section, an approved supervisor who is eligible to supervise certified peer specialist trainees must be either:

(a) Until July 1, 2028, a behavioral health provider, as defined in RCW 71.24.025, with two years of experience working in a behavioral health practice that employs peer specialists as a part of their treatment teams; or

(b) A certified peer specialist who has completed:

(i) At least 1,500 hours of work as a fully certified peer specialist actively engaged in the practice of peer support services;

(ii) At least 500 hours of joint supervision of peers in conjunction with an approved supervisor; and

(iii) The peer specialist supervisor training course provided by the health care authority under RCW 71.24.920.

(2) Individual peers who supervised peers prior to the creation of the certified peer specialist credential may qualify as an approved supervisor if they:

(a) Hold an active certified peer specialist credential;

(b) Provided supervision to peers for at least one year prior to July 1, 2025; and

(c) Completed the peer specialist supervisor training provided by the health care authority under RCW 71.24.920. 

(3) The approved supervisor or designee shall respond to a request for assistance with emergencies or situations with a significant impact on a participant within 48 hours of the request from a trainee or supervisor candidate. The designee must be a certified peer specialist or, until July 1, 2028, a behavioral health provider.