Peer and Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) Credentialing - Arizona

Arizona offers state-endorsed credentialing for Peer and Recovery Support Specialists (PRSS) through AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System), governed by AHCCCS Medical Policy Manual, Policy 963 (AMPM 963). The PRSS credential covers both mental health and substance use (collectively "Behavioral Health") — no separate credentials for these specializations. Requirements: - Education: No educational requirement - Personal/Professional: Must qualify as a Behavioral Health Paraprofessional (BHPP), Behavioral Health Technician (BHT), or Behavioral Health Professional (BHP); self-identify as having lived experience of mental health and/or substance use and sustained recovery - Must pass a graduation exam with 80% or better Training: - All training provided by third-party Peer Support Employment Training Programs (PSETP) approved by the OIFA Alliance - Formats: online, in-person, or hybrid depending on program - Cost: Free to $3,200 depending on program - No background check required; criminal record does not disqualify Credentialing: - PRSS credential does NOT expire; no re-credentialing required - CEU requirement: 4 hours/year for actively employed PRSS; at least 1 hour on ethics - Peer support services are Medicaid reimbursable (State Plan since 2010); virtual services also reimbursable Statewide organization: Peer and Family Career Academy (PFCA) Website: https://www.azpfca.org | Tel: 855-829-7322 Contact for credentialing: OIFAAlliance@azahcccs.gov 125 credentialed Peer Specialists (2024) Source: Copeland Center Peer Specialist Database