House declines amendment to rename recovery specialists, passes H.847 on certification for peer supports

The Vermont House declined an amendment to H.847 that would have replaced the statutory term "recovery support specialist" with "peer recovery coach" and then passed the bill on third reading. The roll-call on the amendment recorded 48 votes in favor and 87 opposed; the House later approved H.847 by voice vote.

Member from Fairfield, who offered the amendment, said it used language "in the field" and was requested by Recovery Partners of Vermont; the amendment would have inserted an explicit statement that recovery coaches have lived experience and would add a code of conduct. "Our amendment basically changes the ... it's brought on by the comments yesterday for the member of Rutland City," Fairfield said in explanation of the change.

Opponents, led in debate by the member from Winooski, urged rejection. Winooski told members the Health Care Committee found the amendment unfavorable on a 9-11 vote and argued that the bill's intent is to make the specialist role Medicaid-reimbursable. "Language does matter here," Winooski said, adding that consistent terminology is needed to secure regional, national and federal recognition and allow the state to draw down federal funds for reimbursement.

Member from Northfield argued the bill as drafted omitted peers and therefore contradicted the core purpose of peer-delivered services, invoking the disability-rights slogan "nothing about us without us" and urging support for the amendment or more time to refine the language. "To omit that from the definition ... makes this bill totally contrary to what it's trying to achieve," Northfield said in urging a 'no' vote on passage if the amendment failed.

After the roll call rejected the amendment 48–87, the House proceeded to the bill's third reading. On the question of final passage, the presiding officer called for the voice vote; the ayes appeared to have it and H.847 was declared passed.

The record shows the Health Care Committee received testimony from recovery coaches and representatives, and the Ways and Means Committee reported no fiscal impact from the amendment. The transcript records members debating whether the language should prioritize field terms used by practitioners or standardized terminology tied to federal funding rules.

With the bill passed, there were no further recorded amendments on the floor. The House completed its orders of the day and moved on to announcements and adjournment.