Frequently Asked Questions
Responses to frequently asked questions about Certified Peer Support Specialists.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who oversees the North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS) Program? | North Carolina's Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS) Program is regulated by the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services (DMHDDSUS). The UNC Behavioral Health Springboard (UNC-BHS) is contracted to oversee the NCCPSS Program on behalf of DMHDDSUS. |
| What is a designation? | A Designation is a specialized training an individual can receive once they become a Certified Peer Support Specialist. For more information, visit the NCCPSS Program website. |
| What designations does the NCCPSS Program have? | North Carolina's Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS) Program has Military and Certified Older Adult Peer Support (COAPS) designations. For more information, visit the NCCPSS Program Designations website. |
| How do I find answers about billing peer support services (PSS) or contacting my LME/MCO? | If you have questions about CPSS services, contact your Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO). |
| How do I submit my application for certification? | You can apply for certification and recertification on North Carolina's Certified Peer Support Program's website. |
| What happens if my certification lapses? | The NCCPSS Program will notify you 60 days before your certification lapses. A CPSS is responsible for renewing their certification on time and must recertify before their certification expires. Certification is for two years and costs $20. Applications for recertification received after the expiration date may be accepted, but a late fee of $20 will be incurred. This is in addition to the certification fee of $20. Certifications not renewed within one month will expire. A CPSS application and 50-hours of training must be completed to reinstate certification. |
| How do I register for an approved course? | A list of approved courses can be found on the NCCPSS Program's Approved Courses website. You will need to contact the trainer/course owner directly to register. You can click on the training course for additional contact information. |
| Can I complete training before one-year of recovery? | Applicants may complete training before achieving one year of recovery; however, the applicant must inform the course owner during registration. Applicants cannot apply for certification until meeting the criteria of one year in recovery. |
| My job requires me to be under supervision. Can my supervision log be used for the 20 additional hours? | No. The requirement must be met through specific training completed and approved through a signed log or certificate. |
| How do I submit Ethics, Boundaries, and Medicaid Fraud complaints to the NCCPSS Program? | Individuals can complete the complaints form located on the NCCPSS Program's Complaints website. After submitting the complaint form, you may be contacted by staff at DMHDDSUS and Medicaid as part of the investigation. If you need additional assistance, contact the NCCPSS Program at 919-843-3018 or nccpssprogram@unc.edu. |