GA HB291

Establishes the Georgia Community Health Worker Certification Committee, an 11-member body appointed by the commissioner of public health, to oversee certification standards for community health workers; the committee will be abolished June 30, 2030, with duties transferring to the Department of Public Health.

Requires approved training programs to include 45 hours of core competency training (16 hours on specific health topics) and sets biennial renewal requirements with fees established by the department.

Certification requirements include being 18+ years old, possessing a high school diploma, completing an approved training program, having 2,000 hours of employment as a community health worker within 10 years, passing criminal background checks, and providing professional references.

Creates a grandfathering pathway for current workers: those applying before July 1, 2028 may qualify through training completed between July 2016-2027 with 2,000 work hours, or through 4,000 work hours with employer attestation of competency.

The Act's effective date is contingent upon specific appropriation of funds by the General Assembly.