Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
The code of ethics below applies to all certified peer support specialists and peer support specialist trainees in Washington state. It outlines how they should interact with participants, the participant’s family members, and other supporters. Peer support professionals helped create these guidelines, which follow the rules in WAC 246-929-210.
The fact sheet was created to inform participants on the nature of peer support compared to traditional counseling. This fact sheet is intended to meet the requirements of WAC 246-929-200(1)(d) which requires peers to provide information on the types of services they will be providing and the difference between peer services and clinical services and how they work together.
Trainings through the Health Care Authority
The Health Care Authority (HCA) is the training provider for peers in Washington state. They provide the 80-hour Peer Support Specialist training that is required for the DOH credential, the Gap training for individuals who previously took the 40-hour Certified Peer Counselor training, and the Supervision of Peer Specialists training. They also provide Crisis Awareness and Communication in Peer Support (CACPS) training for peers that is necessary for any peer support specialists who work in crisis response.
- Peer Support Specialist Program from HCA
- Peersupportapps@hca.wa.gov – For general information about applications or waitlists.
- Peersupportprogram@hca.wa.gov – For general questions about peer support program, confirmation or copies of certification of training or letters, requesting re-testing or oral reviews, and any Issues and/or complaints.
- Peeroutreach@hca.wa.gov – Questions about training registration or training rescheduling.
- amanda.polley@hca.wa.gov – For inquiries about private trainings or for training feedback and questions about becoming a trainer or a training organization.
Required Telehealth Training
All providers who offer Telehealth services are required to take a training prior to providing any telehealth services. The training is online and free; it will take about an hour. See the link below for more information and to take the course.