(1) Except as specified in subsection (2) of this section, an approved supervisor who is eligible to supervise certified peer support 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 support specialists as a part of their treatment teams; or
(b) A certified peer support specialist who has completed:
(i) At least 1,500 hours of work as a fully certified peer support 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 support 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 support specialist credential may qualify as an approved supervisor if they:
(a) Hold an active certified peer support specialist credential;
(b) Provided supervision to peers for at least one year prior to July 1, 2025; and
(c) Completed the peer support 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 support specialist or, until July 1, 2028, a behavioral health provider.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.420.020 and 2025 c 360. WSR 25-21-015, s 246-929-170, filed 10/3/25, effective 11/3/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.420.020, chapter 18.420 RCW, and 2023 c 469. WSR 25-05-089, s 246-929-170, filed 2/18/25, effective 7/1/25.]