OK SB424

Creates the Oklahoma Community Health Worker Act establishing a voluntary certification program administered by the State Department of Health, effective November 1, 2025

Defines community health workers as frontline health workers who are trusted members of and have shared understanding with the communities they serve

Certified workers may serve as liaisons between health/social services and communities, assist individuals with employment and education, identify gaps in healthcare resources, and build community capacity through outreach and education

Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, Oklahoma residency, minimum age of 18, and meeting qualifications set by the State Commissioner of Health

Applicants with 1,000 hours of documented community health worker experience and a supervising provider recommendation are exempt from educational, training, and examination requirements