Bill > HB588

This bill, known as the Community Health Worker Certification Act, establishes a framework for certifying Community Health Workers (CHWs), who are frontline public health workers acting as liaisons between communities and health services. It creates a Community Health Worker Certification Board, composed of various appointed members including representatives from state departments, legislative leaders, and practicing CHWs, to oversee the certification process. The board will define a core competency skills framework, encompassing areas like communication, service coordination, and public health knowledge, and will approve training programs that align with national standards. While certification is voluntary unless required by an employer or payer, the bill outlines procedures for initial certification, renewal, and reciprocity with other states, and specifies that only certified individuals can use the title "certified community health worker" or "CCHW." The bill also establishes a dedicated fund for the board's operations and mandates that the Alabama Medicaid Agency will seek federal approval for reimbursement mechanisms for services provided by certified CHWs.

Health and Social Services

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search