Community health workers.
If passed, AB 96 would establish a standardized framework for the certification of community health workers across California. The bill mandates the Department of Health Care Access and Information to carry out actions that include developing a statewide curriculum and criteria for certification. This change is expected to streamline the training of community health workers, aiding in their ability to connect underserved communities to vital health and social services, ultimately leading to improved public health outcomes in diverse populations.
Assembly Bill No. 96, sponsored by Assembly Member Jackson, seeks to amend Sections 18998 and 18998.1 of the Welfare and Institutions Code regarding community health workers and their certification requirements. The bill emphasizes the importance of community-defined practices and aims to formalize statewide certificate programs for community health workers. These workers are intermediaries between health services and their communities, intended to enhance access to health services and improve the cultural competence of service delivery. This new measure also includes peer support specialists as part of the community health worker definitions and recognizes their experience as meeting certification criteria.
The sentiment surrounding AB 96 is largely positive, particularly among advocates for public health and community service organizations. Supporters appreciate the bill's focus on inclusivity and the recognition of peer support specialists as critical elements of public health ecosystems. They argue that enhancing the capabilities and education of community health workers can yield significant benefits in managing health disparities. However, there may be some concerns regarding the implementation logistics and funding needed to actualize the proposed certification programs.
A notable point of contention surrounding AB 96 centers on the potential challenges in establishing a uniform certification process and its adequacy to address the diverse needs of all communities across California. Some stakeholders may express concern about whether the proposed requirements will sufficiently consider the unique cultural contexts and specific public health challenges faced by different regions. Questions may arise about the adequacy of resources to support the training and certification processes for community health workers.