AL HB588

Creates the Community Health Worker Certification Board, a 20+ member body co-chaired by representatives from the State Department of Education and Alabama Community Health Worker Coalition, with 4-year terms for members and quarterly meetings

Establishes voluntary certification for community health workers who serve as liaisons between health/social services and communities; certification is only required if mandated by employers or payers for employment or reimbursement purposes

Defines 11 core competency skills including communication, service coordination, advocacy, public health knowledge, behavioral health knowledge, and field experience, aligned with national standards from the C3 Project and NACHW

Authorizes training programs through K-12 career technical schools, community colleges, four-year institutions, and other board-approved providers, with provisions for college credit and reciprocity with other states' certifications

Directs the Alabama Medicaid Agency to seek federal approvals (State Plan Amendment, waiver, or alternative payment model) to enable Medicaid reimbursement for services provided by certified community health workers; effective October 1, 2026