Summary of House Bill 291 (HB 291)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 291 aims to establish a formal certification process for community health workers (CHWs) in Georgia. The bill seeks to enhance the role of CHWs in public health by providing them with recognized credentials, thereby improving the quality of health services delivered in communities. This initiative is intended to bridge gaps in healthcare access and promote culturally competent health education and outreach.

Key Provisions

• Certification of Community Health Workers: The bill defines a "certified community health worker" and outlines the process for certification based on standards established by the Georgia Community Health Worker Certification Committee.

• Establishment of the Certification Committee:

  • A new committee will be formed to oversee the certification process, consisting of 11 voting members, including healthcare professionals, community health worker employers, and practicing community health workers.
  • The committee will be responsible for setting standards for training programs, certification requirements, and assessing core competencies necessary for CHWs.

• Training Program Approval: The committee will approve training programs that meet established standards, ensuring that community health workers are adequately prepared for their roles.

• Administrative Support and Regulations: The Department of Public Health will provide necessary administrative support to the committee and will be responsible for implementing rules and regulations related to the certification process.

• Timeline for Implementation: The bill includes provisions for the committee to recommend standards and requirements for training programs and certification by January 1, 2026.

• Abolishment of the Committee: The committee is set to be abolished on June 30, 2029, with its powers and duties transferring to the Department of Public Health at that time.

Impact

• Who Will Be Affected:

  • Community health workers seeking certification will benefit from a structured process that recognizes their skills and contributions.
  • Healthcare providers and organizations employing CHWs will have access to a standardized workforce, potentially improving service delivery and community health outcomes.

• Public Health Improvement: By formalizing the role of CHWs, the bill aims to enhance public health initiatives, particularly in underserved communities, by ensuring that CHWs are well-trained and certified to provide essential health services.

Legislative Timeline

• Introduced: February 5, 2025
• House Actions: Passed by the House on March 6, 2025, after being favorably reported by the House Committee.
• Senate Actions: The bill was read and referred to the Senate on March 10, 2025, and was favorably reported by the Senate Committee on March 21, 2025. It was tabled in the Senate on April 2, 2025.

Conclusion

House Bill 291 represents a significant step towards enhancing the role of community health workers in Georgia's healthcare system. By establishing a certification process, the bill aims to improve the quality of health services provided to communities, particularly those that are underserved. The ongoing legislative process will determine the final outcome of this initiative.