The bill mandates that Medicaid cover community violence prevention services for individuals who have received medical treatment for injuries resulting from acts of community violence, provided they are referred by a certified or licensed healthcare provider or social services provider. It introduces a definition of "community violence" and specifies what constitutes "community violence prevention services," which include evidence-based, trauma-informed support aimed at improving health outcomes and preventing further violence. The bill emphasizes the importance of certified professionals in delivering these services and outlines the types of support they may provide, such as peer counseling and crisis intervention.

Furthermore, the bill requires the Department of Health to approve at least one accredited training and certification program for violence prevention professionals within six months of its effective date. This program must include a minimum of 35 hours of initial training on trauma-informed care and community violence prevention strategies, along with six hours of continuing education every two years. It also mandates that entities employing certified professionals maintain documentation of their training and prohibits the use of the title "certified violence prevention professional" by individuals who have not completed the required certification.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:4D-6