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STATE OF OKLAHOMA
1st Session of the 60th Legislature (2025)
HOUSE BILL 2615 By: Harris
AS INTRODUCED
An Act relating to community health workers; creating
the Oklahoma Community Health Worker Act; providing
short title; defining terms; directing e stablishment
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.
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, r eads 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:
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1. “Certified community health worker” means a community health
worker to whom the State Department of Health has issued a
certificate to practice a s 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 Departme nt 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 sh all 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.
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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 certificat e to protect public health and safety.
B. The Commissioner may also promulgat e 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, a nd
certification renewal.
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SECTION 5. This act shall become e ffective November 1, 202 5.
60-1-11346 TKR 01/15/25