KentuckyHB 4702026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT relating to behavioral health services and declaring an emergency.

Sponsored By: Kimberly Poore Moser (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Substance UseEffective Dates, EmergencyLicensingMental HealthOccupations And ProfessionsPublic Health

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

Peer support registry and study group

The Kentucky Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors keeps a public register of credentialed supervisors, counselors, and peer support specialists. A new Peer Support Professionals Work Group develops statewide requirements and studies creating a peer support board. It must send recommendations by November 1, 2026, and members are unpaid. The group ends after it reports unless legislators ask it to continue.

Medicaid stops paying for psychoeducation

If you have Kentucky Medicaid, it no longer covers individual or group psychoeducational services. The Department for Medicaid Services and managed care plans cannot pay for them. You need other coverage or pay out of pocket if you want those services.

New rules for peer support workers

Peer support workers in licensed alcohol and drug treatment entities and behavioral health organizations face new rules. Until January 1, 2027, employers may hire peers who are registered under KRS 309.0831 or who meet regulations in effect on or after July 15, 2024. Starting January 1, 2027, peers must be registered under KRS 309.0831. The temporary peer registration path is repealed, and the temporary peer title is removed. Peers may run groups as large as licensed clinicians, but they cannot provide psychoeducational services in individual or group settings in those employers.

Easier qualifications for case managers

Case managers for people with mental health or substance use disorders can qualify with a bachelor’s degree in any field. Required training and supervision can count instead of some work experience. This widens the hiring pool for these jobs.

More billable roles in treatment programs

Licensed alcohol and drug counselors and licensed clinical alcohol or drug counselors are billable providers in licensed treatment entities and behavioral health service organizations. Community support associates approved by the Department are also billable in those settings. Providers can bill for services delivered by these workers.

License and renewal fees capped

The licensing board can set initial and annual renewal fees by regulation. Each licensure, certification, or registration fee cannot be more than $300. Applicants and credential holders may have to pay these fees.

Some sections take effect immediately

The law declares an emergency. Sections 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 take effect as soon as the Governor signs the bill or it otherwise becomes law. Those parts start right away instead of later.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Kimberly Poore Moser
Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 223 • No: 0

House vote • 3/31/2026

passed

Yes: 91 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/19/2026

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 35 • No: 0

House vote • 2/10/2026