Bill > SB362

This bill establishes the Oklahoma Community Health Worker Act, which creates a voluntary certification process for community health workers (CHWs) through the State Department of Health. The bill defines a community health worker as a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of the community, and provides for a voluntary certification process. Certified CHWs will be able to serve as liaisons between health and social services and their communities, helping to improve service access, identify resource gaps, and build individual and community capacity through activities like outreach, education, coaching, and advocacy. The State Commissioner of Health will be responsible for developing standards for CHW training, establishing examination requirements, defining minimum qualifications for certification, and setting criteria for granting or revoking certificates. The bill also allows for potential reciprocity agreements with Indian Health Service and tribal health systems, and requires the Commissioner to establish fees for examination, initial certification, and renewal. The certification process is designed to be voluntary and aims to enhance community health support and cultural competence in service delivery. The act is set to become effective on November 1, 2025, providing time for the State Department of Health to develop the necessary rules and infrastructure for implementation.

Health and Social Services

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb362&Session=2600