MS SB2749

Establishes a community health worker licensure program administered by the State Department of Health, effective January 1, 2026, with the department as the sole licensing body in Mississippi.

Requires the Division of Medicaid to seek Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approval for a state plan amendment, waiver, or alternative payment model to provide Medicaid reimbursement for services delivered by licensed community health workers employed and supervised by Medicaid-participating providers.

Authorizes the State Department of Health to promulgate rules establishing core competencies, licensure application and renewal processes, fees, scope of practice, training program approval standards, and disciplinary procedures for community health workers.

Specifies reimbursable services provided by licensed community health workers including preventive care, health promotion education, chronic disease management, cultural navigation/communication assistance, and patient education for self-management of health conditions.

Amends Section 43-13-117 to add community health worker services as a Medicaid-covered service category (paragraph 61) and extends the repeal date of that section from July 1, 2028 to July 1, 2029.