Regulation of community health workers and Medicaid reimbursement for community health worker services; and to provide a contingent effective date.
Impact
If enacted, HB 1029 will impact the North Dakota Century Code by introducing a framework for the certification and regulation of community health workers. This bill will potentially increase access to healthcare services for individuals with chronic conditions by recognizing community health workers as integral members of the healthcare team, thus broadening the scope of healthcare delivery in the state. Additionally, it mandates that as a part of Medicaid medical assistance coverage, the state must reimburse certified community health workers for their services, fostering a reimbursement model that could influence future healthcare policies.
Summary
House Bill 1029 aims to regulate community health workers in North Dakota and ensure reimbursement for their services under Medicaid. The bill establishes definitions and certification standards for community health workers, prohibiting individuals from using the title unless certified. The focus is on providing preventative health services to individuals with chronic conditions or those unable to self-manage their health, under care plans by licensed healthcare providers. This legislative effort represents an attempt to integrate community health workers into the state's healthcare framework.
Contention
The bill has faced contention, notably reflected in its voting history. During a recent house second reading, HB 1029 garnered significant opposition, with 90 nays and no yeas. Concerns likely arise around the funding implications of including community health workers in Medicaid reimbursement plans, as well as the potential scope of services provided versus those that are currently reimbursable under Medicaid. Furthermore, the bill's implementation will depend on state approval for a Medicaid state plan amendment, and therefore its future is contingent on these regulatory developments.