Bill Text: HI SR115 | 2019 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Requesting The Department Of Health To Provide Analysis And Recommendations On The Establishment Of A Certification Process, Oversight Board, And Reimbursement Process For Community Health Workers.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-03-13 - Referred to CPH. [SR115 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2019-SR115-Introduced.html

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THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	115
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

 

 

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO provide analysis and recommendations on the establishment of a certification process, oversight board, and reimbursement process for community health workers.

 

 

 

     WHEREAS, community health workers comprise one of the country's fastest growing occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics; and

 

WHEREAS, community health workers act as integral members of care teams in clinical settings by educating communities, administering basic care, and helping individuals to navigate the health care system; and

 

     WHEREAS, community health workers serve diverse communities including underserved rural areas and areas with low-income, uninsured, homeless, immigrant, and migrant individuals; and

 

     WHEREAS, community health workers often have a close understanding of and relationship with the areas they serve, enabling them to act as trusted liaisons between service providers and at-risk community members; and

 

WHEREAS, the State's growing community health workforce would benefit from clearer guidance, oversight, and support; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirtieth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2019, that the Department of Health is requested to provide analysis and recommendations on the establishment of a certification process, oversight board, and reimbursement process for community health workers; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Health is urged to consider:

 

(1)  Analyzing existing state policies on the certification of community health workers;

 

(2)  Studying the feasibility of designating a state agency or community health workers association to provide oversight and input to the Legislature;

 

(3)  Recommending legislation to drive and support the certification process; and

 

(4)  Recommending best practices and policies related to community health workers, including recommendations on proposed contract language and budget management; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Health is urged to consider the feasibility and advisability of the following competency standards for certification:

 

     (1)  Oral and written communication skills;

 

     (2)  Cultural competency;

 

(3)  Ability to identify local resources and navigate the local health care system;

 

     (4)  Advocacy and community building skills;

 

(5)  Teaching skills, specifically the ability to teach and promote healthy behaviors;

 

(6)  Knowledge of outreach methods and strategies;

 

(7)  Health care and public health literacy;

 

(8)  Understanding of ethics and confidentiality issues; and

 

(9)  Health information technology competency; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Health is encouraged to consult with other state departments, agencies, and community stakeholders in developing its recommendations; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Health is requested to report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2021; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Health.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title: 

DOH; Community Health Workers, Oversight