FL S0886

Defines "community health worker" as a front-line health care worker who is a trusted member of or has close understanding of the community served, particularly in medically underserved areas with health professional shortages and significant populations at or below 185% of federal poverty level.

Specifies community health worker duties including serving as liaison between health care and social services, providing information on resources, social support and counseling, advocating for health needs, and performing services such as first aid and blood pressure screening.

Establishes a 12-member Community Health Worker Task Force within a state college or university, consisting of one Senate member, one House member, one state official, six community health workers, and three Florida Community Health Worker Coalition representatives.

Requires the task force to develop recommendations for integrating community health workers into health care reform proposals, Medicaid managed care enrollment, system navigation assistance, community health center delivery teams, and standardization of worker qualifications and skills.

Mandates the task force submit a report to the Governor and Legislature by June 30, 2013, and meet at least quarterly with seven members constituting a quorum; task force members serve without compensation or expense reimbursement.