This bill expands Medicaid coverage to include community violence prevention services for individuals who have received medical treatment for injuries due to community violence. It specifies that these services are available to individuals referred by certified or licensed healthcare or social services providers who assess them as being at an elevated risk of further violence. The bill provides definitions for "community violence" and "community violence prevention services," which encompass evidence-based, trauma-informed support designed to enhance health outcomes and reduce the recurrence of violence.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the Department of Health to establish a training and certification program for violence prevention professionals, ensuring they are well-equipped to deliver these services. It includes provisions for a minimum of 35 hours of initial training on relevant topics and requires ongoing education every two years. The bill also enforces compliance by requiring entities employing certified professionals to document their training and prohibits the use of the title "certified violence prevention professional" by those who have not completed the necessary certification.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:4D-6