HI SB858

Establishes a community health worker certification task force within the Department of Health to plan certification and training processes for community health workers addressing social determinants of health in low-income and minority populations.

Designates the Director of Health or their designee as task force chairperson and requires representation from four community health workers (one per county), University of Hawaii system, public health institute, housing authority, Medicaid division, health systems corporation, and school of nursing.

Requires the task force to submit a report detailing the certification and training plan, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2022 regular session convening.

Addresses the need for community health workers to bridge rural healthcare gaps, language barriers, and social challenges including food insecurity, housing instability, and telehealth transitions that were magnified during the COVID-19 pandemic.