summary
Introduced
01/22/2026
01/22/2026
In Committee
01/22/2026
01/22/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
126th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Adding Chapter 49 To Title 43 So As To Require The Certification Of Community Health Workers In The State Of South Carolina; To Establish Certification Requirements And Authorized Services; To Require The Department Of Public Health To Promulgate Certain Regulations, Including Continuing Education Requirements; To Provide For Medicaid Reimbursement Of Authorized Services; And For Other Purposes; And By Adding Section 44-6-75 So As To Require The State Department Of Health And Human Services To Seek Federal Approval For A State Medicaid Plan Amendment Or Waiver Including Services Provided By Certified Community Health Workers In Certain Circumstances.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a certification program for Community Health Workers (CHWs) in South Carolina, requiring individuals to be certified by the Department of Public Health to use the title "community health worker" starting January 1, 2027. To become certified, individuals must meet age and residency requirements and either complete an approved training program or demonstrate equivalent work experience. Certified CHWs will need to renew their certification annually and complete continuing education, with specific requirements for oral health, infant and maternal healthcare, and geriatric healthcare. The bill outlines the services CHWs can provide, including preventative care, health promotion, facilitating communication between patients and providers, and patient education. It also mandates that the State Department of Health and Human Services seek federal approval to allow Medicaid reimbursement for services provided by certified CHWs when they are employed by specific types of healthcare organizations, such as hospitals, clinics, or mental health centers, and also requires the inclusion of CHW services in the state's children's health insurance program.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Member(s) request name removed as sponsor: Hosey (on 01/29/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=5002&session=126&summary=B |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/5002_20260122.htm |
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