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Bill

HB 1831

Community health workers; creating the Oklahoma Community Health Workers Act; definitions; establishment of certificate; voluntary certification; powers; rules; fees; effective date.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Christi Gillespie and 1 co-sponsor

Oklahoma creates voluntary certification program for community health workers to standardize qualifications and expand healthcare access in underserved communities.

Second Reading referred to Health and Human Services
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Bill Summary · HB 1831

Legislative bill overview

HB 1831 establishes the Oklahoma Community Health Workers Act, which creates a voluntary certification program for community health workers in the state. The bill defines the scope of practice, establishes certification requirements, and grants regulatory authority to implement rules and collect fees for the program.

Why is this important

Community health workers serve as cultural and linguistic bridges between healthcare systems and underserved populations, improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare disparities. Formalizing their role through certification can enhance professional standards, increase public trust, and potentially expand access to preventive care in rural and underserved communities.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice clarity: Ambiguity about what tasks community health workers can independently perform versus activities requiring supervision by licensed healthcare providers could create implementation confusion or liability concerns
  • Certification cost barriers: Fees associated with voluntary certification could inadvertently exclude lower-income workers or disadvantage community organizations in rural areas with fewer resources
  • Regulatory oversight gaps: The bill's reliance on rulemaking authority creates uncertainty about enforcement mechanisms, disciplinary procedures, and whether voluntary certification maintains meaningful quality standards without mandatory participation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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