CHAPTER Plc 2000 VOLUNTARY CERTIFICATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS (CHWs)

Statutory Authority: RSA 310:6, II; RSA 326-N:3

REVISION NOTE:

Document #14388, effective 10-24-25, readopted with amendment Chapter Plc 2000 titled “Voluntary Certification of Community Health Workers”, which had first been adopted as an interim rule by Document #14217, effective 4-1-25. Document #14388 therefore replaces the interim rule in Document #14217.

Amendments to the interim rule by Document #14388 included extensive revision to the rules in Part Plc 2003 titled “Initial Certification”, including the deletion of Plc 2003.07 titled “Facilitated Certification for Active Duty Military and Military Spouses”. But the subject matter of the former Plc 2003.07 is now covered by paragraph (c) in Plc 2003.04 titled “Application for Initial Voluntary Certification” and paragraph (b) in Plc 2005.03 titled “Application for Certification Renewal”. Document #14388 inserted new rules Plc 2003.02 titled “Qualifying Based on Work Experience” and Plc 2003.05 titled “Additional Information and Documentation for Initial Applications”, which necessitated the renumbering of rules in Part Plc 2003 as indicated in the source notes. Document #14388 also inserted the new rule Plc 2006.02 titled “Ethical Standards”, whose number had been reserved by Document #14217.

PART Plc 2001 PURPOSE; APPLICABILITY; NOTIFICATIONS; INCORPORATED DEFINITIONS

Plc 2001.01 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to implement RSA 326-N relative to regulating community health workers (CHWs) who seek voluntary certification, by establishing requirements for:

(a) Obtaining and renewing a certificate to practice as a community health worker (CHW) in New Hampshire;

(b) Obtaining certification as a CHW after expiration, lapse, suspension, or revocation of certification; and

(c) Regulating the practice of certified CHWs, including ethical and professional standards required to be met by certificants.

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

Plc 2001.02 Applicability. This chapter shall apply to any individual who chooses to obtain voluntary certification to practice as a certified CHW in New Hampshire.

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

Plc 2001.03 Notifications; Issuance of Certifications. The office of professional licensure and certification (OPLC) shall send all notifications to applicants and certificants, and all certifications issued pursuant to this chapter, in accordance with Plc 301.03.

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

Plc 2001.04 Definitions Incorporated. All terms used in these rules relative to procedures, applications, inspections, and fees that are defined in Plc 102, Plc 202, Plc 302, Plc 402, or Plc 1000 shall have the meaning specified therein.

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

PART Plc 2002 CHAPTER-SPECIFIC DEFINITIONS

Plc 2002.01 “Applicant” means “applicant” as defined in RSA 326-N:1, I, reprinted in Appendix B.

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

Plc 2002.02 “Approved training organization” means an organization with demonstrated experience in training CHWs that has been approved to offer CHW training, as listed in Plc 2003.03(b).

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

Plc 2002.03 “Certificate” means “certificate” as defined in RSA 326-N:1, II, reprinted in Appendix B.

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

Plc 2002.04 “Certification” means “certification” as defined in RSA 326-N:1, III, reprinted in Appendix B.

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

Plc 2002.05 “Certified community health worker (certified CHW)” means “certified community health worker” as defined in RSA 326-N:1, IV, reprinted in Appendix B. The term includes “certificant”.

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

Plc 2002.06 “Community health worker (CHW)” means “community health worker” as defined in RSA 326-N:1, VI, reprinted in Appendix B.

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

Plc 2002.07 “Continuing education credit” means one hour of continuing education.

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

Plc 2002.08 “Telemedicine” means “telemedicine” as defined in RSA 326-N:1, X, reprinted in Appendix B.

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

PART Plc 2003 INITIAL CERTIFICATION

Plc 2003.01 Eligibility for Initial Certification as a CHW. Any individual not currently certified as a CHW in New Hampshire who wishes to be voluntary certified as a CHW shall:

(a) Have obtained a high school diploma or have passed a test that resulted in the receipt of a certificate of high school equivalency; and

(b) Have achieved the skills and abilities necessary for the profession by either:

(1) The work experience pathway described in Plc 2003.02; or

(2) The training pathway described in Plc 2003.03.

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

Plc 2003.02 Qualifying Based on Work Experience.

(a) An individual shall be deemed qualified for certification as a CHW if the individual has not less than 4,000 hours of work experience, obtained in the past 5 years, that fall within the scope of practice of a CHW as defined by the National Council of CHW Core Consensus Standards (National C3 Council) at https://www.c3council.org/roles-competencies.

(b) Both paid and unpaid work experience shall count towards the total hours required.

(c) Only hours engaged in work that falls within the CHW scope of practice, hereinafter “qualifying duties”, shall count towards the total hours required.

(d) Qualifying duties shall include the following:

(1) Health education;

(2) Coordinating care including referrals;

(3) Informal support or counseling, or both;

(4) Advocacy for individuals or communities, or both;

(5) Assessment of community needs or individual needs, or both;

(6) Activities to increase community capacity or individual capacity, or both;

(7) Disease prevention and management; and

(8) Outreach.

(e) An individual who engaged in other duties in addition to qualifying duties shall count only those hours spent on qualifying duties towards the total hours required.

Source. #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

Plc 2003.03 Qualifying Training.

(a) Program curriculum designed to educate individuals seeking certification as a CHW shall provide training in each of the following core competencies:

(1) Communication skills;

(2) Interpersonal and relationship-building skills;

(3) Service coordination and navigation skills;

(4) Education and facilitation skills;

(5) Advocacy skills;

(6) Building individual and community capacity;

(7) Individual and community assessment;

(8) Outreach skills;

(9) Professional skills and conduct;

(10) Evaluation and research skills; and

(11) Knowledge of social determinants of health and cultural competency and the public health structure.

(b) The applicant shall demonstrate completion of the training required by (a), above, by submitting an official transcript as required by Plc 304.01(c), from any of the following training organizations:

(1) North Country Health Consortium, available at https://nchcnh.org;

(2) Southern New Hampshire Area Health Education Center, available at https://www.snhahec.org/;

(3) White Mountains Community College at https://www.wmcc.edu; or

(4) Any other training organization with a curriculum meeting the criteria of (a) above.

(c) An applicant who has received training from an organization not listed in (b), above, may request a waiver under Plc 211 to allow the alternative organization’s training to be accepted. The executive director shall grant the requested waiver if the applicant demonstrates that either:

(1) The alternative organization offers CHW training that meets the standards of the National C3 Council; or

(2) The alternative organization’s training is accepted by at least 10 other U.S. jurisdictions that require or offer CHW certification.

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25 (formerly Plc 2003.01(c), Plc 2003.02(a), and Plc 2003.02(b)); ss by #14629, eff 9-21-26, EXPIRES: 9-21-36

Plc 2003.04 Application for Initial Voluntary Certification. An individual who is not already certified as a CHW in New Hampshire shall apply for initial certification by complying with Plc 304.01, subject to the following:

(a) On or with the profession-specific supplement required by Plc 304.01(a)(3), the applicant shall provide the information and documentation specified in Plc 2003.05;

(b) No criminal background check shall be required; and

(c) The fee shall be the application processing and licensing fee specified in Plc 1002.54, provided that an applicant who is active military or a military spouse shall not pay the fee.

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35 (formerly Plc 2003.03)

Plc 2003.05 Additional Information and Documentation for Initial Applications. In addition to the information required by Plc 304.03 and the documentation required by Plc 304.04, an applicant for voluntary certification as a CHW shall provide the following:

(a) If qualified based on work experience, the following information for each position held at which qualifying tasks were performed:

(1) The name and address of the organization at which or for which the qualifying duties were undertaken;

(2) The month and year when the work was started and when the work ended;

(3) The total hours spent engaged in qualifying duties;

(4) The specific qualifying duties undertaken; and

(5) The name, daytime telephone number, and position held of an individual who can verify the information required by (1) through (4), above; and

(b) If qualified based on training:

(1) The following information for each organization that provided the training:

a. Name, address, telephone number, and email address; and

b. Date training started and date training completed; and

(2) A copy of the training certificate issued at the completion of the training.

Source. #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

Plc 2003.06 Processing of Applications for Initial Voluntary Certification; Decisions.

(a) Within 30 days of receipt of an application for initial voluntary certification submitted pursuant to Plc 2003.03, the licensing bureau shall process the application as provided in Plc 304.06.

(b) The application shall be subject to the abandonment provisions of Plc 304.06(h) and the withdrawal provisions of Plc 304.07.

(c) After determining that an application is complete, the licensing bureau shall review the application against the criteria listed in (d), below, and notify the applicant of its decision in accordance with Plc 304.08 and Plc 304.09.

(d) The licensing bureau shall approve an application for initial certification and issue a certification if the applicant:

(1) Meets the qualifications stated in Plc 2003.01;

(2) Has complied with Plc 2003.04;

(3) Has not answered “yes” to any of the background and character questions in Plc 304.03(e) or has provided an explanation of each “yes” answer pursuant to Plc 304.04 demonstrating that similar circumstances are not likely to arise in New Hampshire; and

(4) No information has been submitted that would support a finding that the applicant has engaged in any of the conduct listed in RSA 326-N:5, reprinted in Appendix B.

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25 ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35 (formerly Plc 2003.04)

Plc 2003.07 Challenging a Denial of Initial Voluntary Certification; Challenging Certification Conditions. An applicant who wishes to challenge the denial of an application for initial certification or who wishes to challenge conditions included in the certification shall do so as provided in Plc 304.10.

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35 (formerly Plc 2003.05)

Plc 2003.08 Initial Voluntary Certification: Issuance and Duration.

(a) Initial certifications shall be issued in accordance with Plc 304.11.

(b) Initial certifications shall be valid as provided in Plc 304.12.

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35 (formerly Plc 2003.06)

PART Plc 2004 CERTIFICANT OBLIGATIONS

Plc 2004.01 Certificant Obligations to Notify, Display Certification.

(a) Each certificant shall comply with Plc 307.02 relative to required notifications, updates of contact information, and providing information on how complaints can be filed.

(b) As required by RSA 326-N:4, a certified CHW shall conspicuously display the certification in the certificant’s principal place of business, provided that if the certificant provides services in places other than an office, the certificant shall carry a copy of the certification.

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

Plc 2004.02 Certificant Responsibilities for Renewal. Each certificant shall:

(a) Know when the individual’s certification is due to expire; and

(b) File an application for renewal prior to the expiration of the current certification in accordance with Plc 2005 if the certificant wishes to continue to practice as a certified CHW in New Hampshire.

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

Plc 2004.03 Continuing Education Required.

(a) Certificants shall complete a minimum of 6 continuing education credits during the 2-year period prior to each renewal of certification.

(b) The credits shall be earned through any combination of live programming and self-directed study programs.

(c) Continuing education events offered or approved by an approved training organization shall qualify for continuing education credits.

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

Plc 2004.04 Documentation Requirements; Audits.

(a) Certificants shall comply with the continuing education recordkeeping requirements in, and shall be subject to the audit provisions of, Plc 308.04.

(b) When applying to renew a certification, the applicant shall:

(1) Identify each program used to meet the continuing education requirement by name of sponsor, date and length of program, program instructor, and program location; and

(2) Sign an attestation on the renewal application that the applicable continuing education requirements have been met.

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

PART Plc 2005 VOLUNTARY CERTIFICATION RENEWAL AND REINSTATEMENT

Plc 2005.01 Eligibility for Voluntary Certification Renewal. To be eligible for renewal of a certification as a CHW, an individual shall:

(a) Have completed the continuing education required by Plc 2004.03;

(b) Have paid all administrative and civil penalties imposed, if any; and

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

Plc 2005.02 Notification of Pending Certification Expiration.

(a) At least 60 days prior to the expiration of a certification, the licensing bureau shall notify the certificant in accordance with Plc 308.03.

(b) A certificant who wishes to renew who does not receive notification shall contact OPLC customer support at CustomerSupport@oplc.nh.gov to obtain the needed renewal information.

(c) If an application for renewal is not received by the OPLC prior to the expiration date of the certification, the certification shall be expired.

(d) An individual whose certification has expired shall not self-represent as a certified CHW in New Hampshire.

(e) An individual whose certification has expired but not lapsed who wishes to be reauthorized to practice as a certified CHW shall apply for recertification in accordance with Plc 2005.07.

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

Plc 2005.03 Applying for Certification Renewal. A certified CHW who wishes to renew a certification to practice as a certified CHW shall apply for renewal by complying with Plc 308.05, subject to the following:

(a) On or with the profession-specific supplement required by Plc 308.05(b)(2), the applicant shall provide the information and attestation relative to meeting continuing education requirements specified in Plc 2004.04(b); and

(b) The fee shall be the application processing and licensing fee specified in Plc 1002.54, provided that an applicant applying to renew who is active military or a military spouse shall not pay the fee.

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

Plc 2005.04 Processing of Renewal Applications; Decisions.

(a) The licensing bureau shall process the application as provided in Plc 308.09.

(b) An applicant may withdraw the application for certification renewal at any time prior to being notified of a decision under Plc 308.11 by proceeding in accordance with Plc 308.10.

(c) The licensing bureau shall review complete applications, make decisions, and notify applicants in accordance with Plc 308.11.

(d) The licensing bureau shall issue a renewal certification if the applicant:

(1) Has submitted a renewal application in accordance with Plc 2005.03;

(2) Meets the requirements for renewal stated in Plc 2005.01; and

(3) Has not been shown, through an adjudicative proceeding, to have engaged in an act that would result in denial under RSA 326-N:5, reprinted in Appendix B.

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

Plc 2005.05 Challenging a Denial of Certification Renewal; Challenging Certification Conditions. An applicant who wishes to challenge the denial of an application for certification renewal or who wishes to challenge conditions included in the renewal certification shall do so as provided in Plc 308.12.

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

Plc 2005.06 Renewal Certifications: Issuance and Duration.

(a) The OPLC shall issue renewal certifications for certified CHWs in accordance with Plc 308.13(a).

(b) Renewal certifications shall be valid as provided in Plc 308.13(b).

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

Plc 2005.07 Obtaining a Certification After Expiration, Lapse, Suspension, or Revocation.

(a) The procedures in Plc 312 shall govern how to obtain a certification after expiration, suspension, or revocation.

(b) To obtain certification after the prior certification has lapsed, the former certificant shall apply for a new certification in accordance with Plc 2003.04.

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

PART Plc 2006 ETHICAL AND PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

Plc 2006.01 Applicability.

(a) The standards in this part shall apply to each individual who applies to be certified under RSA 326-N or who is voluntarily certified under RSA 326-N.

(b) Violations of these standards shall constitute unprofessional conduct that subjects the violator to disciplinary proceedings pursuant to Plc 311.

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

Plc 2006.02 Ethical Standards. A certificant shall:

(a) Hold the health and safety of clients to be of first consideration and render to each client the full measure of the certificant’s ability as an essential part of the health care system;

(b) Communicate the potential benefits and consequences of available services, including the programs they are employed under and others that are available in the community;

(c) Not engage in any activity that is illegal or unethical, and report illegal or unethical conduct in the profession to the OPLC or other appropriate authority;

(d) Never agree to or participate in transactions with practitioners of other health professions or any other person under which fees are divided or that might cause financial or other exploitation in connection with the rendering of professional services;

(e) Respect the confidential and personal nature of professional records, and disclose such information only as allowed by state or federal law;

(f) Not knowingly agree to practice under terms or conditions that prevent the proper exercise of professional judgment and skill or otherwise cause a deterioration of the quality of provided services, and never consent to unethical conduct;

(g) Acknowledge when a client’s issue(s) are outside the scope of the certificant’s scope of practice and provide referrals to appropriate services; and

(h) Not represent professional services in a manner that is misleading to the public or that conveys by implication that the services of other certified CHWs or other healthcare professionals are unethical or inferior.

Source. #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

Plc 2006.03 Professional Obligations. Each individual who is subject to this chapter shall:

(a) Comply with RSA 326-N, Plc 300, and Plc 2000;

(b) Comply with any disciplinary or remedial orders issued by the executive director within any time periods specified;

(d) Not misrepresent professional qualifications or credentials;

(e) Cooperate with inspections and with lawful investigations by the executive director;

(f) Treat all individuals with whom the individual interacts in a professional capacity with respect and civility;

(g) Maintain sexual boundaries by:

(1) Refraining from any behavior that exploits the CHW-client relationship in a sexual way; and

(2) Avoiding any behavior that is sexual or sexually demeaning, or that could be reasonably interpreted as such, even when initiated by or consented to by the client or colleague;

(h) Not engage in hazing or sexual, verbal, or physical harassment of any individual when interacting in a professional capacity; and

(i) Not discriminate based on age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability, national origin, or any other class of individuals protected by law.

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

PART Plc 2007 PRACTICE AND PROCEDURES

Plc 2007.01 Rules of Practice and Procedure.

(a) The rules in Plc 200 and Plc 311 shall govern:

(1) The receipt of misconduct complaints and the investigation thereof;

(2) The conduct of disciplinary hearings and non-disciplinary remedial hearings;

(3) Disciplinary and non-disciplinary remedial proceedings;

(4) The imposition of license conditions;

(5) Reciprocal discipline; and

(6) Rehearings and appeals.

(b) The rules in Plc 200 shall govern:

(1) The conduct of all other adjudicative and non-adjudicative proceedings;

(2) Waivers of rules;

(3) Voluntary surrender of licenses; and

(4) Any other procedures not included in this chapter.

Source. #14217, INTERIM, eff 4-1-25; ss by #14388, eff 10-24-25, EXPIRES: 10-24-35

APPENDIX A: State Statute(s) Implemented

Rule(s)	State Statute(s) Implemented
Plc 2001	RSA 326-N:1-8
Plc 2002	RSA 326-N:1
Plc 2003	RSA 310:4, II; RSA 326-N:3; RSA 326-N:4; RSA 326-N:5
Plc 2004	RSA 326-N:3, II
Plc 2005	RSA 310:8, III
Plc 2006	RSA 326-N:3, II
Plc 2007	RSA 326-N:8

Appendix B: Statutory Terms

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;

(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.

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.

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.