Which entity is approved by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to certify Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists and approve training providers?

• A. California Department of Health Care Services
• B. California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA)
• C. California Department of Public Health
• D. NAMI California

Answer: (B)

CalMHSA, the California Mental Health Services Authority, is the statewide body approved by DHCS to certify Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists and approve training providers. Formed by counties to coordinate mental health services, CalMHSA administers the certification process and reviews training curricula to ensure consistent standards across the state under DHCS guidance. The other entities listed do not have this formal DHCS-approved role: DHCS itself is the approving agency, not the certifying body; the California Department of Public Health and NAMI California do not hold DHCS approval to certify peers or approve training providers.