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Bill

HB 871

Health Services Cost Review Commission - Community Benefits - Community Health Worker Workforce Program

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tiffany Alston and 21 co-sponsors

Maryland requires hospitals to establish community health worker training and employment programs as part of community benefits obligations to serve underserved populations.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 752
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Bill Summary · HB 871

Legislative bill overview

HB 871 establishes a Community Health Worker Workforce Program under Maryland's Health Services Cost Review Commission, requiring hospitals to invest in training and employing community health workers as part of their community benefits obligations. The bill mandates that hospitals allocate resources toward building a sustainable workforce of community health workers who provide culturally competent care and health navigation services to underserved populations.

Why is this important

Community health workers serve as bridges between healthcare systems and vulnerable populations, improving health outcomes and reducing emergency department utilization. This legislation formalizes hospital accountability for workforce development in this critical role while addressing documented health disparities in underserved communities across Maryland.

Potential points of contention

  • Hospital cost burden: Hospitals may argue that mandated workforce investment increases operational costs and diverts resources from direct patient care services
  • Definition and standardization: Questions about qualifications, certification standards, and wage requirements for community health workers could create implementation challenges and inconsistency
  • Enforcement mechanisms: The bill's oversight structure and penalties for non-compliance with community benefits requirements remain subject to regulatory interpretation

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

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