AB 96 removes the education credential requirement for peer support certification
Oct 11, 2026 edition · GC-2026-0052 · Published 2026-10-11 · Version 3 · Final
AB 96 removes the high-school diploma or equivalent credential from California peer support specialist certification. The September 27 enactment leaves the remaining entry requirements and ongoing certification duties intact, including recovery experience, approved training, an examination, ethics, and recertification.
What happened
California enacted AB 96 on September 27 as Chapter 497, amending the Medi-Cal peer support specialist certification requirements in Welfare and Institutions Code section 14045.15. The change removes the high-school diploma or equivalent-degree requirement. The program described in the law permits a county, or an agency representing it, to develop a peer support specialist certification program subject to Department of Health Care Services approval. Removing the education credential changes one entry condition within that certification framework.
Applicants still must be at least 18, identify experience with recovery from mental illness or substance use disorder as a service recipient or as a parent or family member, be willing to share that experience, and demonstrate dedication to recovery. They must also agree in writing to the code of ethics, complete the required curriculum and training, and pass the department-approved certification examination. Maintaining certification continues to require adherence to the ethics code, a signed affirmation every two years, and the applicable continuing education, training, and recertification requirements.
Scope and timing
- Authority status
- Final
- Applicability
- Potentially applicable
- Audience
- Health systems, Provider networks
- Jurisdiction
- California
- Recorded date
- 2027-01-01
- Date type
- effective
Why it matters
California behavioral-health employers and certification programs may need to adjust hiring screens and qualification policies for peer support specialists.
Recommended action
Update recruitment and certification checklists without treating removal of the education credential as removal of training or examination requirements.
Sources
- AB-96 Mental health services: peer support specialist certification, bill historyOfficial · California Legislature · 2026-09-03 · Source review 2026-09-10
- AB-96 Mental health services: peer support specialist certification, current bill text (08/30/26 - Enrolled)Official · California Legislature · 2026-08-30 · Source review 2026-09-10
- Governor Newsom issues legislative update 9.27.2026Official · Office of the Governor · 2026-09-27 · Source review 2026-10-04
- AB96 chaptered operative textOfficial · California Legislature · 2026-09-27 · Source review 2026-10-11
- California Constitution, Article IV section 8(c), official Assembly 2023–24 editionOfficial · California State Assembly · Source review 2026-10-14
Complete edition and supplemental material
This finding in the complete approved report →Regulatory horizons, CIA trends and implementation trackers remain in the full report.
Read the entire Compliance Sweep report →