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

SCR 16 establishes a task force to set minimum training standards for community health workers, enhancing their skills to improve public health in underserved areas.

Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 764).

#communityhealthworkertrainingprograms #doh #report #taskforce

Bill Overview

Bill Number: SCR 16

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: Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 764)

Introduced: February 5, 2025

Classification: Concurrent Resolution

Subject: Community Health Worker Training Programs, Department of Health (DOH), report, Task Force

Purpose and Intent

SCR 16 aims to enhance the effectiveness and professionalism of community health workers (CHWs) by establishing a task force under the Department of Health (DOH). The primary goal is to identify and develop minimum professional standards for training programs that prepare individuals to serve as CHWs. This initiative seeks to ensure that CHWs are adequately trained to meet the health needs of communities, thereby improving public health outcomes.

Key Provisions

Task Force Creation: The resolution calls for the formation of a task force that will consist of stakeholders from various sectors, including health care, education, and community organizations.

Development of Standards: The task force will be responsible for identifying and developing minimum professional standards for CHW training programs. This includes curriculum development, training methodologies, and evaluation criteria.

Reporting Requirements: The task force will be required to submit a report to the DOH outlining its findings and recommendations for the establishment of these training standards.

Impact

Community Health Workers: The resolution directly impacts CHWs by aiming to improve their training and professional standards, which may enhance their effectiveness in delivering health services.

Public Health Outcomes: By improving the training of CHWs, the resolution seeks to address health disparities and improve access to health care in underserved communities.

Stakeholders Involved: The task force will include representatives from various sectors, ensuring a comprehensive approach to developing training standards.

Legislative Timeline

February 5, 2025: SCR 16 was introduced.

April 21, 2025: The resolution was adopted in its final form and received from the House.

April 17, 2025: The resolution was adopted by the House with no votes against it, although some representatives were excused.

April 14, 2025: The resolution was reported from the Health Committee (HLT) and recommended for adoption without amendments.

April 3, 2025: The Senate adopted the resolution with amendments before transmitting it back to the House.

Related Legislation

SR 12: This is a companion resolution that may address similar issues regarding community health workers.

This summary provides an overview of SCR 16, detailing its purpose, key provisions, potential impacts, and legislative timeline, making it accessible for readers interested in understanding the implications of this resolution for community health worker training programs.

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