SECTION 450:53-7-2. Competence and scope of practice

(a)   Peer Recovery Support services are an EBP model of care which consists of a qualified peer recovery support provider (PRSS) who assists individuals with their recovery from mental illness and/or substance use disorders.

(b)   A C-PRSS must possess knowledge about various mental health settings and ancillary services (i.e., Social Security, housing services, and advocacy organizations). Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (C-PRSS) provides peer support services; serves as an advocate; provides information and peer support. The C-PRSS performs a wide range of tasks to assist consumers in regaining control of their lives and recovery processes. The C-PRSS will possess the skills to maintain a high level of professionalism and ethics in all professional interactions. Examples of a PRSS' scope of practice would including the following:

(1)   Utilizing their knowledge, skills and abilities the PRSS will:

(A)   Teach and mentor the value of every individual's recovery experience;

(B)   Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies;

(C)   Prioritize self-care and role model that recovery is possible for all people.

(D)   Assist service recipients in articulating personal goals for recovery;

(E)   Assist service recipients in determining the objectives needed to reach his/her recovery goals;

(2)   Utilizing ongoing training the PRSS may:

(A)   Proactively engage consumers using communication skills introducing new concepts, ideas, and insight to others;

(B)   Facilitate peer support groups;

(C)   Assist in setting up and sustaining self-help (mutual support) groups;

(D)   Support consumers in using a wellness plan;

(E)   Assist in creating a crisis plan/ Psychiatric Advanced Directive as instructed in the PRSS Training;

(F)   Utilize and teach problem solving techniques with consumers.

(G)   Teach consumers how to identify and combat negative self-talk and fears;

(H)   Support the vocational choices of consumers and assist him/her in overcoming job-related anxiety;

(I)   Assist in building social skills in the community that will enhance quality of life. Support the development of natural support systems;

(J)   Assist other staff in identifying program and service environments that are conducive to recovery;

(K)   Attend treatment team and program development meetings to ensure the presence of the consumer voice and to promote the use of self-directed recovery tools.

(3)   Possess knowledge about various behavioral health settings and ancillary services (i.e. Social Security, housing services, advocacy organizations);

(4)   Maintain a working knowledge of current trends and developments in the behavioral health field;

(A)   Attend continuing education assemblies when offered by/approved by the Commissioner or designee;

(B)   Develop and share recovery-oriented material with other PRSS's at peer-specific continuing education trainings.

(5)   Serve as a PRSS by:

(A)   Providing and advocating for effective recovery oriented services;

(B)   Assist consumers in obtaining services that suit that individual's recovery needs;

(C)   Inform consumers about community and natural supports and how to utilize these in the recovery process; and

(D)   Assist consumers in developing empowerment skills through self-advocacy.

[Source: Added at 28 Ok Reg 912, eff 7-1-11; Amended at 31 Ok Reg 2066, eff 10-1-14; Amended at 36 Ok Reg 1160, eff 11-1-19]