Sec. 10.21.10.07. Specific Conditions for PRTF Waiver Service Providers — Caregiver Peer-to-Peer Support and Youth Peer-to-Peer Support

A. A family support organization may provide PRTF waiver services of caregiver peer-to-peer support, youth peer-to-peer support, or family and youth training. To be eligible to provide PRTF waiver services as a family support organization, the organization shall:

(1) Be a private, nonprofit entity designated under §501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code, and submit copies of the certificate of incorporation and Internal Revenue Service designation;

(2) Have a board of directors comprised of more than 50 percent caregivers with a primary daily responsibility for raising a child or youth up to 26 years old with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges;

(3) Submit a list of board members with identification of those who are caregivers meeting the criteria in §A(2) of this regulation;

(4) Establish hiring practices that give preference to:

(a) Current or previous caregivers of a child or youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges;

(b) Youth who are 18 through 26 years old, who have or had emotional or behavioral health challenges, or both; or

(c) Both §A(4)(a) and (b) of this regulation;

(5) Submit a copy of the organization's personnel policy that sets forth the preferred employment criteria stated in §A(4) of this regulation;

(6) Employ a staff that is comprised of at least 75 percent individuals who are:

(a) Current or previous caregivers of a child or youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges; or

(b) Youth who are 18 through 26 years old with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges;

(7) Submit a list of staff and positions held with identification of those who fit the experienced caregiver and youth criteria stated in §A(6) of this regulation; and

(8) Submit a certificate of eligibility that includes:

(a) Attestation of compliance with §A(1)-(6) of this regulation; and

(b) The organization's mission statement that establishes the purpose of the organization as providing support and education to youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges and their caregivers.

B. Caregiver Peer-to-Peer Support Provider. To provide the services set forth COMAR 10.09.79.06B, the provider shall:

(1) Be employed by a family support organization;

(2) Be 21 years old or older;

(3) Receive supervision from an individual who is 21 years old or older, and has at least 3 years of experience providing peer-to-peer support;

(4) Have current or prior experience as a caregiver of a child with SED or a young adult with SMI; and

(5) Receive training and certification as approved by MHA.

C. Youth Peer-to-Peer Support Provider. To provide services set forth in COMAR 10.09.79.06B, a provider shall:

(1) Be 18 years old or older but not older than 26 years old;

(2) Be employed by a family support organization;

(3) Have experience with State or local services and systems as a consumer who has had emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges;

(4) Be supervised by an individual who is 21 years old or older, and has at least 3 years of experience providing peer-to-peer support or working with youth, or both; and

(5) Receive training and certification as approved by MHA.