TITLE XXX
OCCUPATIONS AND PROFESSIONS
Chapter 326-N
COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS
Section 326-N:1
326-N:1 Definitions. –
I. "Applicant" means an individual applying to be certified or recertified as a community health worker.
II. "Certificate" means the document issued by the office of professional licensure and certification to qualified applicants for certification as community health workers.
III. "Certification" means the voluntary process by which the office of professional licensure and certification grants recognition and use of a credential to individuals who are eligible to practice as certified community health workers.
IV. "Certified community health worker" means a community health worker to whom the office of professional licensure and certification has issued a certificate to practice as a certified community health worker.
V. "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the department of health and human services.
VI. "Community health worker" means a public health worker who applies an understanding of the experience, language, and culture of the populations that the individual serves and who provides direct services aimed at optimizing individual and family health outcomes, including:
(a) Informal and motivational counseling and education;
(b) Interventions to maximize social supports;
(c) Community health integration services;
(d) Facilitation of access to health care and social services;
(e) Health screenings;
(f) Other services that the commissioner defines by rules adopted under RSA 541-A.
VII. "Department" means the department of health and human services.
VIII. "Executive director" means the executive director of the office of professional licensure and certification.
IX. "Recertification" means a renewal of certification.
X. "Telemedicine" means the use of audio, video, or other electronic media for the purpose of optimizing individual and family health outcomes.
Source. 2024, 289:6, eff. Jan. 1, 2025.
Section 326-N:2
326-N:2 Powers and Duties of the Executive Director. –
The powers and duties of the executive director under this chapter include:
I. Accepting applications for certification under this chapter, and approving or denying such applications.
II. Conducting disciplinary and non-disciplinary adjudicative proceedings in accordance with RSA 310:10.
III. Accepting written complaints against certified community health workers and conducting investigations upon such written complaints in accordance with RSA 310:9.
Source. 2024, 289:6, eff. Jan. 1, 2025.
Section 326-N:3
326-N:3 Rulemaking. –
The executive director shall, in consultation with the New Hampshire area health education centers, adopt rules pursuant to RSA 541-A, relating to the following:
I. Establishment and administration of a voluntary certification of community health workers, including criteria for:
(a) Minimum and continuing education;
(b) Training;
(c) Experience; and
(d) Other qualifications that the executive director deems appropriate in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
II. Other matters that the executive director deems appropriate to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
Source. 2024, 289:6, eff. Jan. 1, 2025.
Section 326-N:4
326-N:4 Application; Certification Fees; Issuance of Certification; Applicants from Other States. –
I. Every application for community health worker certification shall be accompanied by a non-refundable registration fee.
II. Certification shall be renewed in accordance with RSA 310:8.
III. A certified community health worker shall conspicuously display such certification in the principal place of business.
Source. 2024, 289:6, eff. Jan. 1, 2025.
Section 326-N:5
326-N:5 Suspension; Revocation or Refusal to Issue Certification. –
The executive director may deny the application for a certified community health worker and may suspend or revoke the certification issued pursuant to this chapter or refuse to issue a renewal thereof if it is determined after a hearing that such applicant or certified mental health worker:
I. Has made a material false statement or concealed a material fact in connection with his or her application for certification;
II. Has had a certificate issued under this chapter revoked or suspended previously;
III. Has a criminal conviction for crimes involving fraud or fraudulent practices;
IV. Has failed to comply with any other provision of this chapter or any rules promulgated by the executive director.
Source. 2024, 289:6, eff. Jan. 1, 2025.
Section 326-N:6
326-N:6 Use of Certified Community Health Worker Designation; Exemptions. –
I. In order to use the title "certified community health worker", the initials "CCHW", or other designation indicating that the individual is a certified community health worker, an individual shall be certified pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
II. To ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter or any rule that the executive director has adopted and promulgated pursuant to this chapter, the office of professional licensure and certification may issue cease-and-desist orders to persons violating the provisions of this chapter.
III. A community health worker shall engage only in those activities authorized pursuant to this chapter and by rules adopted pursuant to this chapter. While engaging in practice as a community health worker, an individual shall not engage in or perform any act or service for which another professional certificate, license, or other legal authority is required.
IV. Certification as a community health worker is voluntary. Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring community health workers to be certified for purposes of employment. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent or restrict the practice, service, or activities of any individual simultaneously certified as a community health worker and licensed, certified, registered, or otherwise legally authorized in the state to engage in the practice of another profession if that individual does not, while engaged in the authorized practice of another profession, use any name, title, the initials "CCHW", or other designation indicating that the individual is a certified community health worker.
Source. 2024, 289:6, eff. Jan. 1, 2025.
Section 326-N:7
326-N:7 Telemedicine. –
Certified community health workers shall be permitted to provide services through the use of telemedicine.
Source. 2024, 289:6, eff. Jan. 1, 2025.
Section 326-N:8
326-N:8 Procedure for Complaints; Hearings. –
All licensing, disciplinary, and non-disciplinary proceeds shall be conducted in accordance with RSA 310, and administrative rules adopted by the executive director.
Source. 2024, 289:6, eff. Jan. 1, 2025.