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Bill

Bill

A 4837

Establishes "New Jersey Community Health Worker Program" in DOH and certain training programs for community health workers.

2026-2027 Regular Session

Establishes the New Jersey Community Health Worker Program within the Department of Health, standardizing CHW training, certification, and integration into public health efforts.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Infrastructure Committee
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Bill Summary · A 4837

Summary of New Jersey Assembly Bill A-4837 (Session 222)

Title

Establishes the “New Jersey Community Health Worker Program” in the Department of Health (DOH) and creates certain training programs for community health workers.

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a formal state program to support and credential community health workers (CHWs) in New Jersey.
  • Integrate CHWs into the public health system to improve access to care, health equity, and outcomes for residents, particularly in underserved or high-need communities.
  • Provide structured training and certification to standardize CHW competencies and responsibilities.

Key Provisions and Provisions (Summary)

  • Establishment of the New Jersey Community Health Worker Program (NJ-CHW Program):
    The bill would establish an official program within the Department of Health to oversee CHW activities, standards, and operations across the state.

  • Training and Certification:
    The legislation creates or designates training requirements and programs for CHWs. This may include:

    • Core CHW competencies (e.g., health education, navigation of health and social services, cultural and linguistic mediation, outreach, and advocacy).
    • Possible eligibility criteria for CHW training providers and approved curricula.
    • Certification or credentialing processes to recognize CHWs who complete the program (details would specify scope, standards, and validity period).

  • Roles and Scope of Practice:
    The bill likely outlines the duties CHWs may perform under the NJ-CHW Program, such as:

    • Conducting outreach and patient navigation to connect individuals with primary care, preventive services, and social supports.
    • Providing culturally and linguistically appropriate health information.
    • Assisting with care coordination and follow-up.
    • Collecting data, reporting outcomes, and helping with public health initiatives.

  • Administration and Oversight:
    The DOH would be responsible for administering the NJ-CHW Program, including:

    • Establishing rules, standards, and guidelines for CHWs and training providers.
    • Monitoring program implementation, quality assurance, and compliance.
    • Potentially awarding grants or funding to CHW training programs or organizations.

  • Funding and Resources (Possible):
    The bill may authorize state funding or appropriations to support program development, training, and workforce expansion. It might also enable the DOH to seek federal or other funds.

  • Collaboration and Partnerships:
    Provisions may encourage collaboration with health systems, community-based organizations, local health departments, and educational institutions to sustain CHW training and integration into public health efforts.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Community Health Workers and Trainees: Individuals who pursue CHW training and certification under the NJ-CHW Program.
  • Healthcare and Social Service Providers: Organizations employing CHWs or coordinating with CHWs for patient outreach, navigation, and care coordination.
  • Healthcare Systems and Community-Based Organizations: Agencies that would implement or partner with the NJ-CHW Program for workforce development and program delivery.
  • Department of Health: Responsible for administration, standards, monitoring, and reporting related to the program.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Introduced and referred to the Assembly Health Infrastructure Committee as of May 4, 2026.
  • Next Steps: The committee would consider, amend if necessary, and determine whether to advance the bill toward a full Assembly vote. If amended and approved, it would move to the Senate for consideration, with potential further committee reviews, votes, and a final path to the governor’s desk.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Enhanced access to preventive and primary care through trained CHWs.
  • Standardization of CHW training could improve quality and consistency of services.
  • Increased workforce capacity in community-based settings, potentially addressing health disparities.
  • Financial implications include potential funding allocations for program administration, training grants, and related activities.
  • Success depends on clear definitions of scope of practice, certification validity, and sustainable funding.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize specific aspects (e.g., funding mechanisms, anticipated timelines, or how the program integrates with existing NJ public health initiatives) or compare with similar CHW programs in other states.

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

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