Dear OMH Children’s Provider:
As the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) prepares to transition children’s behavioral health services into Medicaid Managed Care, it is proposed that Family Peer Support Services (FPSS) delivered by a Family Peer Advocate (FPA) become a State Plan Medicaid billable service. When executed, this will not only expand the capacity for families to receive the service but will also position FPSS as a distinct discipline in the continuum of behavioral health services for children and families.
In states where the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved peer services as a Medicaid billable service, CMS has required credentialing of peers by the state. As a result, OMH now requires that FPAs providing services to children and families in the OMH Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver complete the required training and become credentialed. For more information, please refer to the HCBS Guidance Document.
NYS currently has a credentialing process for FPAs, which is delivered by Families Together of New York State (FTNYS). FTNYS has credentialed over 200 Family Peer Advocates to date. This FPA credential has been approved by the Children’s Medicaid Managed Care Behavioral Health Workgroup as the foundation of the NYS FPA Credential which will be submitted by NYS in our application to CMS.
To support our efforts and build capacity for a well-trained FPA workforce, the OMH Division of Integrated Community Services for Children and Families is pleased to announce the availability of funding to support qualified individuals in obtaining this credential through an application and vouchering process.
Funding is available for family peers who deliver FPSS in the following OMH programs: Home and Community Based Waive Program, Residential Treatment Facilities, Community Residences, 1650 (family peer support) programs, or for contracted family peers in State Operated Programs. The process to obtain the funding is outlined in the attached document.
If you have any questions, or to inquire about the credentialing of FPAs that are employed by the State, please contact Heather Lane, Family and Youth Peer Coordinator, at [email protected] or by phone at 315-426-3940.
On behalf of the Division, I am hopeful that you will take advantage of this exciting funding opportunity.
Donna M Bradbury, MA, LMHC
Associate Commissioner
Division of Integrated Community Services for Children and Families
NYS Office of Mental Health