OK SB424

Establishes the Oklahoma Community Health Worker Act, creating a voluntary certification program administered by the State Department of Health for community health workers in Oklahoma.

Defines a certified community health worker as a frontline health worker with shared understanding of and trusted status within the community served, with eligibility requiring U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, state residency, and minimum age of 18 years.

Authorizes certified community health workers to serve as liaisons for health and social services, assist with employment and education, identify resource gaps, and build community capacity through outreach, education, mentoring, and advocacy activities.

Requires the State Commissioner of Health to promulgate rules establishing coursework standards, examination requirements, minimum qualifications, certification criteria, fees, and complaint/disciplinary procedures; applicants with 1,000 hours of documented work experience and supervisor recommendation may be exempt from educational and examination requirements.

Act becomes effective November 1, 2025.