Advocacy & Systems Navigation Flashcards

A CRS is working with a peer who has limited English proficiency and needs mental health services. What is the most appropriate advocacy action?

Answer: Advocate for the peer to receive professional interpreter services or linguistically appropriate care

Individuals have the right to professional interpreter services in healthcare settings; using family members as interpreters raises confidentiality and accuracy concerns.

Under Title II of the ADA, public entities such as state and local governments must:

Answer: Ensure programs and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities, including those in recovery

Title II of the ADA requires that state and local government programs be accessible and non-discriminatory toward individuals with disabilities, including those with a history of substance use disorder.

When a CRS is navigating funding sources for a peer who needs long-term treatment, which resource provides coverage for low-income adults who meet eligibility criteria in states that expanded Medicaid?

Answer: Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act expansion

In states that expanded Medicaid under the ACA, low-income adults may qualify for coverage that includes substance use disorder treatment services.

A key principle of advocacy in recovery support is that the CRS should use the voice of people with lived experience to:

Answer: Educate decision-makers and humanize the recovery experience to drive systems change

Lived experience advocacy humanizes recovery and informs decision-makers, complementing—not replacing—clinical expertise in policy discussions.

What is the purpose of a Recovery Community Organization (RCO) in systems advocacy?

Answer: To advocate for recovery-friendly policies and create peer-led spaces and services within communities

RCOs are peer-led organizations that advocate for policies supporting recovery and provide community-based peer services and social supports.

A CRS helps a peer understand their rights related to confidentiality of substance use treatment records. Which federal regulation specifically protects these records?

Answer: 42 CFR Part 2 (Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records)

42 CFR Part 2 provides heightened confidentiality protections specifically for substance use disorder treatment records, going beyond standard HIPAA protections.

Which of the following best demonstrates effective self-advocacy support by a CRS?

Answer: Preparing the individual with information and role-playing scenarios before they attend their own appointments

Effective self-advocacy support builds the individual's own skills and confidence—such as through preparation and role-play—rather than replacing their voice.