Below are answers to frequently asked questions related to the new recovery support services system. If you would like to recommend additional questions, please email [email protected].
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Recovery Coaching will be reimbursable at a minimum. The Vermont Department of Health, together with our partners in Medicaid Policy and the Vermont Department of Health Access, are working to define what other services could be reimbursable in the future.
Recovery support services need to be provided by Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist employed by a Vermont Department of Health Certified Recovery Services Organization.
The Department of Health, in coordination with the Vermont Department of Health Access and other partners, will provide technical assistance as the RSS Medicaid benefit is further developed.
If an organization is not certified by June 30, 2026, they are not eligible to receive federal or state funding from the Vermont Department of Health for the provision of recovery support services.
In order to be eligible for PRSS Certification, individuals must obtain the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) Certified Recovery Coach credential through Prevention Works!VT which requires the completion of specific training. Please find information about training options through Prevention Works!VT.
The Division of Substance Use Recovery Team worked with Recovery Centers and community members to review and update the PRSS Code of Ethics. Please find the revised version here: https://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/document/certified-prss-code-of-ethics.pdf.
The International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium’s Peer Recovery certification will act as the Vermont Peer Recovery Support Specialist’s credentialing requirement needed to apply through the Office of Professional Regulation for PRSS Certification. In Vermont, the IC&RC’s Peer Recovery Certification is known as Certified Recovery Coach.
All those who have a current Certified Recovery Coach (CRC) certification utilizing the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) will be eligible for Office of Professional Regulation Peer Recovery Support Specialist certification. Individuals who currently hold the IC&RC Certified Recovery Coach credential are encouraged to review the PRSS Certification process flow for information about next steps: https://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/document/opr-prss-certification-process-flow.pdf.
The state will cover the Office of Professional Regulation Peer Recovery Support Specialist certification fee for people employed by or volunteering at one of Vermont’s 12 Recovery Centers through established grants with these organizations.
Information on being an Advisor can be found here along with the advisor application to apply. Peer Support Advisors meet at least once per year, as well as partner with the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) on any topic that may arise regarding the regulation of the profession as needed.
At this time, the IC&RC Certified Recovery Coach (CRC) Certification through Prevention Works!VT is required to apply for PRSS Certification through the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) and must be submitted as part of the PRSS application.
The RSO Certification application period is open until October 31st, 2025. RSO Certification will be required to receive funding from the Department of Health for the provision of recovery services beginning in SFY27.
The Department of Health will address this question in upcoming touchpoints with Recovery Centers.
Recovery Support Services will be eligible under Medicaid no earlier than July 1, 2027. Funding discussions will be forthcoming.
The Department of Health will address this question in upcoming touchpoints with Recovery Centers.
The Department of Health has described the documentation requirements currently known in touchpoints with Recovery Center Directors and in the RSO Standards. The Department of Health will discuss additional data or documentation requirements in future touchpoints with Recovery Centers.
Questions can be sent to [email protected].
Updates about this work will be reflected on this Q&A page, the Recovery Support Services page, and via the RSS Connect Newsletter
If you have additional questions, contact [email protected]
Vermont Department of Health
280 State Street
Waterbury, VT 05671-8340
