House Passes Miller Bill to Expand Mental Health Workforce
OKLAHOMA CITY - Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, secured House passage today of House Bill 4275, legislation aimed at expanding opportunities for certified behavioral health case managers and peer recovery support specialists to serve in more community settings. House Bill 4275 would update state law to allow certified behavioral health case managers and peer recovery support specialists to maintain their certification while working for municipalities and counties as integral members of mental health support teams at the local level. Under current law, certification is largely tied to employment with the state, certain state contractors, tribal entities or veterans facilities. Expanding eligibility to the county and municipal level would allow these professionals to directly support county sheriffs and first responders, including police and fire personnel, as part of coordinated mental health response efforts. HB4275 would create uniformity in the rules and standards for certification of both behavioral health case managers and peer recovery support specialists. It also would maintain existing education, examination, supervision and continuing education requirements. "Allied mental health professionals are a critical part of Oklahoma’s behavioral health system," Miller said. "As we continue strengthening that system, we have to make sure the professionals who are trained and certified to help can serve where they are needed most. This bill removes unnecessary barriers so behavioral health case managers and peer recovery support specialists can work in places like fire departments and courts while maintaining the credentials that ensure quality and accountability." Allied mental health professionals often work directly with individuals navigating mental illness or substance use recovery, helping connect them to services, monitor progress and provide peer support based on lived experience. As part of municipal and county mental health response teams, case managers and peer recovery support specialists would be able to assist sheriffs and first responders in crisis situations, helping connect individuals to appropriate treatment and community-based resources. Expanding where these professionals can serve reflects widely recognized best practices and allows licensed clinicians to focus on clinical care while case managers and peers provide critical day-to-day support. HB4275 passed the House 91-5 and now moves to the Senate for further consideration.