Newsom signs AB 96 dropping diploma rule for peer support certification
Issue
Governor Newsom signed AB 96 by Assemblymember Corey Jackson on September 27, 2026, as Chapter 497. Applicants for Medi-Cal peer support specialist certification no longer need a high school diploma or equivalent, but must still be at least 18.
The change widens the pool of certified peer staff that clinics can hire.
Sources for this story
California Legislative Information (AB 96, Chapter 497, Statutes of 2026)Sources for your board packet
This story's source plus 4 related stories and their sources, ready to print for your team or board.
Free. Unlocking the packet subscribes you to Intel Brief and The Pulse. You'll be subscribed right away, with no confirmation email. Unsubscribe with one click in any issue. If you unsubscribed before, we won't re-add you. We never sell your email. You can open each source above without an email.
Part of
- Safety-net workforce and capacity shifts
Training pipelines and loan repayment
- Behavioral-health integration and capacity
FQHC Talent. (2026, September 27). Newsom signs AB 96 dropping diploma rule for peer support certification. Source: California Legislative Information (AB 96, Chapter 497, Statutes of 2026). Retrieved October 6, 2026, from https://www.fqhctalent.com/intel/ca-ab-96-peer-support-diploma-requirement-signed-sep-2026