AN ACT TO ESTABLISH A COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER LICENSURE PROGRAM IN THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH; TO PROVIDE THAT THE DIVISION OF MEDICAID SHALL SEEK APPROVAL FROM THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES FOR A STATE PLAN AMENDMENT, WAIVER OR ALTERNATIVE PAYMENT MODEL; TO PROVIDE REIMBURSEMENT FOR CERTAIN SERVICES PROVIDED BY LICENSED COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS; TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT SHALL BE THE SOLE LICENSING BODY FOR THE COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER PROFESSION AND PRACTICE IN MISSISSIPPI; TO PROVIDE THAT FROM AND AFTER JANUARY 1, 2026, NO PERSON SHALL REPRESENT HIMSELF OR HERSELF AS A COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER UNLESS HE OR SHE IS LICENSED AS SUCH IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE DEPARTMENT; TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROMULGATE RULES NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT, INCLUDING ESTABLISHING THE CORE COMPETENCIES OF COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS, THE COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER LICENSURE APPLICATION AND RENEWAL PROCESS, LICENSURE APPLICATION AND RENEWAL FEES, PROCEDURES FOR LICENSURE DENIAL, SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION AND THE SCOPE OF PRACTICE FOR LICENSED COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS; TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT SHALL APPROVE COMPETENCY-BASED TRAINING PROGRAMS AND TRAINING PROVIDERS, AND APPROVE ORGANIZATIONS TO PROVIDE CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR LICENSED COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS; TO AMEND SECTION 43-13-117, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT FOR CERTAIN SERVICES PROVIDED BY LICENSED COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS; TO EXTEND THE DATE OF THE REPEALER ON THE SECTION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 43-13-117