HB1258

House Bill 1258 establishes the Community Health Worker Act in Arkansas to create a formal statewide certification process for community health workers. It defines community health workers as individuals who act as liaisons between the public and health or social service systems. The Arkansas Department of Health is tasked with issuing these certifications to applicants who meet specific education, training, or experience requirements, and who pay an application fee. The bill outlines the authorized scope of practice for these workers, including care coordination, health education, and advocacy, while prohibiting services that require specialized professional licenses. It also mandates the protection of patient data and information, subjecting workers to privacy laws. Furthermore, the bill creates a registry for approved training programs and establishes a framework for workers to be compensated via the Arkansas Medicaid Program or private health benefit plans.