HI HB2182

Establishes a three-year rural community health worker pilot program administered by the Department of Health to provide outreach, education, training, and navigation services in rural communities and address social determinants of health.

Community health workers may provide health education and outreach, individual support and assistance with healthcare navigation, cultural competency and advocacy, and data collection and reporting.

Department of Health shall contract with a nonprofit organization having experience in rural community empowerment, majority rural resident board and staff, and cultural competency capacity to recruit, train, assign, and supervise community health workers.

Requires interim reports to the legislature prior to 2025, 2026, and 2027 legislative sessions, and a final report by 2028 recommending whether to extend the pilot program beyond three years.

Appropriates general fund revenues for fiscal year 2024-2025 and exceeds the state general fund expenditure ceiling as necessary to serve the public interest and meet identified needs.