The proposed Community Health Worker Act aims to establish a statewide certification process for community health workers in Arkansas. The Act introduces a new chapter, Chapter 46, to the Arkansas Code, which includes definitions of key terms such as "community health worker," "health benefit plan," and "healthcare provider." It outlines the requirements for certification, which include age, relevant experience, completion of a training program, and submission of an application fee. The Department of Health is tasked with issuing certifications and maintaining a registry of approved training programs. Additionally, the Act specifies the scope of practice for community health workers, detailing the types of services they are authorized to provide.

Furthermore, the Act includes provisions for the suspension or revocation of certifications for unethical conduct or failure to comply with requirements. It emphasizes the confidentiality of patient data accessed by community health workers and establishes that they are eligible for compensation through the Arkansas Medicaid Program or health benefit plans. The Department of Health is also granted the authority to create rules regarding the certification and regulation of community health workers. Overall, the Community Health Worker Act seeks to enhance the quality of health services delivered to communities by formalizing the role of community health workers through certification and regulation.