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Bill

HB 1258

TO CREATE THE COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER ACT; AND TO ESTABLISH A STATEWIDE CERTIFICATION FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Missy Irvin and 1 co-sponsor

Arkansas formalizes community health worker roles through statewide certification standards, professionalizing an informal workforce to improve healthcare access in underserved areas.

Notification that HB1258 is now Act 435
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1258

Legislative bill overview

HB 1258 establishes a statewide certification program for Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Arkansas and creates the legal framework governing their role, training standards, and qualifications. The bill formalizes what has historically been an informal workforce by setting minimum competency requirements and professional standards.

Why is this important

Community health workers serve as cultural and linguistic bridges in underserved communities, improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs by connecting patients to services and providing health education. Formal certification increases their legitimacy in the healthcare system, may improve job security and compensation, and enables better integration with clinical care teams in rural and low-income areas.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice unclear: The bill may leave ambiguity about which clinical tasks CHWs can perform versus those reserved for licensed providers, potentially creating turf conflicts with nurses and other healthcare professionals
  • Certification costs and access: If certification fees are high or requirements difficult to meet, existing CHWs—often from low-income backgrounds—may face barriers to maintaining their positions
  • Reimbursement not addressed: The bill creates certification standards but doesn't guarantee healthcare insurance or Medicaid will reimburse CHW services, limiting their actual integration and earning potential in clinical settings

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

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