HB1258
To Create The Community Health Worker Act; And To Establish A Statewide Certification For Community Health Workers.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill, titled the "Community Health Worker Act," proposes to establish a statewide certification for community health workers in Arkansas. It defines a community health worker as an individual who serves as a liaison between health or social services and the community to improve access and quality of care. The Act outlines various pathways for individuals to become certified, including through existing certifications, training programs, or a combination of work experience and supplemental education. The Department of Health would be responsible for issuing these certifications, which would be valid for two years and require ongoing professional development for renewal. The bill specifies the scope of services community health workers can provide, including cultural mediation, health education, care coordination, and advocacy. It also addresses the confidentiality of patient information handled by these workers and states that certified community health workers shall receive compensation from the Arkansas Medicaid Program or health benefit plans. The Arkansas Community Health Worker Association, in consultation with the Division of Higher Education, would create and maintain a registry of approved training programs. The Department of Health is empowered to suspend, revoke, or refuse certification for specific violations.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be individuals in Arkansas who can benefit from the services of community health workers, particularly those in underserved or marginalized communities who may face barriers to accessing healthcare and social services. Certified community health workers themselves would benefit from a standardized certification process, which could enhance their professional recognition, credibility, and potential for employment and reimbursement. Healthcare providers and social service organizations could also benefit by having a more clearly defined and accessible workforce of community health workers to help improve patient engagement, care coordination, and health outcomes within their respective service areas. Furthermore, health benefit plans and the Arkansas Medicaid Program could see a benefit through improved population health management and potential cost savings associated with better access to preventative care and chronic disease management facilitated by community health workers.
Who Might Suffer?
The groups or entities that could be negatively impacted by this bill are those who might find the certification requirements a barrier to entry or continuation in the role of community health worker, such as individuals with extensive but less formally documented experience. Training programs that are not approved by the Arkansas Community Health Worker Association may see reduced enrollment or be unable to provide services that qualify individuals for certification. There could also be an initial administrative burden and associated costs for the Department of Health and the Arkansas Community Health Worker Association in establishing and maintaining the certification and registry system. Additionally, entities that currently employ individuals acting as community health workers without formal certification might need to adapt their staffing and training practices to align with the new requirements, potentially incurring additional costs.