CT SB00126

Defines "community health worker" as a public health outreach professional who serves as a liaison between communities and healthcare/social services providers to improve access, cultural competence, and address health disparities.

Directs the state innovation model initiative program management office to study the feasibility of creating a certification program for community health workers within available resources.

Study must examine fiscal impacts and provide recommendations on certification requirements (training, experience, continuing education), administration methods (application, assessment, electronic registry), and training program curriculum standards.

Requires a report to the General Assembly's public health and human services committees by October 1, 2018, with study results and certification program recommendations.

Effective date is October 1, 2017.