Health care facilities are barred from hiring employees who have been convicted of certain criminal offenses, including felony convictions within the last five years related to “controlled substances.” The House passed legislation that would allow an exception for peer recovery coaches.

Certified peer support professionals can be an important addition to health care spaces by providing care to people with substance use disorder. But sometimes stigma can get in the way of those benefits. One paramedicine provider said more companies need to create spaces that support those peer professionals.