Which term describes the organization selected by California counties, with a plan approved by the Department of Health Care Services, to certify Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists?

• A. Certifying Entity
• B. CalMHSA
• C. Advocacy Group
• D. Core Competencies

Answer: (A)

The main idea is identifying who is authorized to grant certification for Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists in California. The term used is certifying entity, because counties select an organization that will handle the certification process, and this plan must be approved by the Department of Health Care Services. The certifying entity is responsible for overseeing credentialing activities, such as verifying training, administering assessments if required, issuing certificates, and keeping the official roster, all under the approved plan.

CalMHSA is a statewide association that often coordinates programs, but it is not the designated certification body described in this process. An advocacy group is a generic term for groups advocating for clients and services and does not specify the body that certifies credentials. Core competencies refer to the skills and standards required for the role, not the organization that certifies individuals.