House Bill No. 1831 establishes the Oklahoma Community Health Workers Act, which aims to create a framework for the certification of community health workers in Oklahoma. The bill defines key terms, including "certified community health worker" and "core competencies," and mandates the State Department of Health to establish a voluntary certification process. The bill outlines the roles and responsibilities of certified community health workers, which include serving as liaisons between health services and the community, identifying gaps in resources, and enhancing community health knowledge through various outreach activities.
Additionally, the bill requires the State Commissioner of Health to promulgate rules regarding the certification process, including standards for coursework, examination requirements, and criteria for certification. It also allows for partnerships with faith-based organizations to improve health outreach and service delivery. The Commissioner is tasked with setting fees for certification and examination processes. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.