FL S0244

Creates a voluntary certification program for community health workers administered by department-approved third-party credentialing entities.

Defines community health workers as frontline health care workers who serve as liaisons between health care providers and medically underserved communities, provide health education and advocacy, and coordinate care.

Requires credentialing entities to establish professional standards, develop core competencies and exams based on national standards, maintain ethical codes and disciplinary procedures, and keep a publicly accessible database of certified workers.

Mandates credentialing entities maintain an advisory committee with at least 2 representatives from the Department of Health, 5 from the Florida Community Health Worker Coalition, and up to 2 from other stakeholder organizations.

Requires entities to offer grandfathering for at least 15 months after program implementation, allowing qualified existing community health workers to obtain certification for a maximum fee of $50.