HB1275 Summary

• Creates the Community Health Worker Act as a new subchapter under Arkansas Code Title 20, Chapter 6, establishing certification requirements and scope of practice for community health workers.

• Defines community health workers as non-licensed individuals at least 18 years old who provide patient care services under direction of treating physicians or pharmacists, with certification through approved training programs or one year of prior experience.

• Limits community health worker services to health literacy, health education, home assessments, basic health screening, medication compliance, chronic disease monitoring, and appropriate referrals; excludes services requiring professional licensure or specialized training.

• Permits compensation from Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, health benefit plans, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations while establishing confidentiality protections for patient data.

• Provides liability immunity for employers of certified community health workers and the workers themselves when acting in good faith, and clarifies the act does not authorize healthcare decision-making, create private rights of action against providers, or alter existing healthcare professional scope of practice laws.