Bill > H1184

This bill aims to promote health equity and expand the use of community health workers (CHWs) in Massachusetts. It makes the following key changes: 1. It updates the definition of "core competencies" for CHWs to include a broader range of skills and knowledge, such as outreach, client assessment, culturally-appropriate care, mental health and substance use services, and community capacity building. 2. It prohibits public and private insurers from denying coverage or reimbursement for covered health services solely on the basis that they were delivered by a certified CHW employed by a healthcare provider. 3. It establishes a Community Health Worker Workforce Development Task Force to examine the current CHW workforce, barriers to retention, demographic data, and make recommendations to improve the CHW pipeline, expand their use, and ensure appropriate reimbursement for their services. The overall goal is to better integrate CHWs into the healthcare system and leverage their unique skills to improve health outcomes, particularly in underserved communities.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H1184