SB 859 Summary

• Defines "community health worker" as a public health outreach professional who serves as a liaison between community members and health care/social services providers to facilitate access to services and reduce health disparities.

• Community health workers perform outreach, engagement, education, coaching, counseling, social support, advocacy, care coordination, and basic screenings related to social determinants of health.

• Requires the Department of Public Health to establish a certification program for community health workers by January 1, 2020.

• Authorizes the Commissioner of Public Health to adopt regulations to implement the certification program.

• Takes effect July 1, 2019 and amends Connecticut General Statutes Section 20-195sss.