REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO CONVENE A TASK FORCE TO IDENTIFY AND DEVELOP MINIMUM PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER TRAINING PROGRAMS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 7 co-sponsors

Senate Resolution SR 12 establishes a task force to set minimum training standards for community health workers, aiming to improve public health services in Arkansas.

Report and Resolution Adopted, as amended (SD 1).

#communityhealthworkertrainingprograms #doh #report #taskforce

# Summary of Senate Resolution SR 12 ## Bill Information - **Bill Number:** SR 12 - **Title:** Requesting the Department of Health to Convene a Task Force to Identify and Develop Minimum Professional Standards for Community Health Worker Training Programs - **Status:** Report and Resolution Adopted, as amended (SD 1) - **Introduced:** February 05, 2025 - **Classification:** Resolution - **Subject:** Community Health Worker Training Programs, Department of Health, report, Task Force ## Purpose and Intent Senate Resolution SR 12 aims to enhance the quality and effectiveness of community health worker training programs in Arkansas. The resolution requests the Department of Health (DOH) to establish a task force dedicated to identifying and developing minimum professional standards for these training programs. This initiative is intended to ensure that community health workers are adequately prepared to serve their communities, thereby improving public health outcomes. ## Key Provisions - **Task Force Creation:** The resolution mandates the DOH to convene a task force composed of stakeholders, including health professionals, educators, and community representatives. - **Development of Standards:** The task force will focus on identifying and establishing minimum professional standards for community health worker training programs. - **Reporting Requirements:** The task force is expected to report its findings and recommendations to the Senate, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process. ## Impact - **Community Health Workers:** The resolution directly affects community health workers by potentially improving the training they receive, which can enhance their effectiveness in addressing public health issues. - **Health Outcomes:** By establishing minimum standards, the resolution aims to improve the overall quality of health services provided to communities, particularly in underserved areas. - **Department of Health:** The DOH will play a crucial role in implementing the task force and overseeing the development of the new standards. ## Procedural Timeline - **February 05, 2025:** SR 12 was filed. - **February 06, 2025:** The resolution was read for the first time, rules were suspended, and it was placed on the calendar. - **February 10, 2025:** The resolution was read a third time and adopted. - **April 02, 2025:** The resolution was reported from the Health and Human Services (HHS) committee with a recommendation for adoption, as amended. - **April 03, 2025:** The report and resolution were adopted, as amended (SD 1). - **May 05, 2025:** The legislative session adjourned sine die. ## Conclusion Senate Resolution SR 12 represents a proactive step towards improving the training and effectiveness of community health workers in Arkansas. By establishing a task force to develop minimum professional standards, the resolution seeks to enhance public health services and outcomes across the state.