Bill Text For SB0535 - Enrolled

ENROLLED SENATE

BILL NO. 535                        By: Rosino of the Senate

 

                                               and

 

                                        McEntire of the House

 

 

 

An Act relating to community health workers; creating the Oklahoma Community Health Worker Act; providing short title; defining terms; directing establishment of certificate; making certification voluntary; listing powers of community health worker; requiring and authorizing promulgation of certain rules; directing establishment of certain fees; providing for codification; and providing an effective date.

 

 

 

SUBJECT:  Community health workers

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:

 

SECTION 1.     NEW LAW     A new section of law to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 1280.1 of Title 59, unless there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:

 

This act shall be known and may be cited as the “Oklahoma Community Health Worker Act”.

 

SECTION 2.     NEW LAW     A new section of law to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 1280.2 of Title 59, unless there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:

 

As used in the Oklahoma Community Health Worker Act:

 

1.  “Certified community health worker” means a community health worker to whom the State Department of Health has issued a certificate to practice as a certified community health worker in this state;

 

2.  “Community health worker” means a frontline public health worker who has a shared understanding of and is a trusted member in the community being served; and

 

3.  “Department” means the State Department of Health.

 

SECTION 3.     NEW LAW     A new section of law to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 1280.3 of Title 59, unless there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:

 

A.  The State Department of Health shall establish a certificate for community health workers.  This certification shall be voluntary.

 

B.  A certified community health worker may:

 

1.  Serve as a liaison between health and social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery;

 

2.  Assist in identifying and communicating gaps in current community and health care resources; and

 

3.  Build individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, coaching, mentoring, social support, and advocacy.

 

SECTION 4.     NEW LAW     A new section of law to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 1280.4 of Title 59, unless there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:

 

A.  The State Commissioner of Health shall promulgate rules to:

 

1.  Adopt a set of standards for the approval of certified community health worker initial coursework or curriculum;

 

2.  Establish examination administration requirements for the Department or one or more designees;

 

3.  Define minimum qualifications for applicants to be certified; and

 

4.  Establish the criteria for granting, denying, suspending, and revoking a certificate to protect public health and safety.

 

B.  The Commissioner may also promulgate rules necessary for the proper administration and enforcement of the Oklahoma Community Health Worker Act and which allow for reciprocity agreements including, but not limited to, with the Indian Health Service, Tribal Contract or Compact Health Centers, Urban Indian Health Centers, and tribal health systems.

 

C.  The Commissioner shall prescribe fees for the certified community health worker examination, initial certification, and certification renewal.

 

SECTION 5.  This act shall become effective November 1, 2023.

 

Passed the Senate the 21st day of February, 2023.

 

 

                             

                                  Presiding Officer of the Senate

 

 

Passed the House of Representatives the 26th day of April, 2023.

 

 

                            

                                   Presiding Officer of the House

                                               of Representatives