Pandemic era expansion of state laws governing the professionalization of community health workers

Authors: Regen Weber-Fares , Thomas Cheung , David J Washburn , Timothy Callaghan , Megan LaFleur , Denise Martinez , Deepak Muthyala , Keegan Warren , William Sage , Cason D Schmit

This study examined laws guiding the training, certification and professional development of community health workers (CHWs) across 54 US jurisdictions between 2019 and 2024. It found that more jurisdictions introduced clearer definitions of CHW roles, certification and training requirements during this period. However, fewer required formal education qualifications. The study highlights the need to strengthen CHW skills and job stability without creating unnecessary barriers to joining the workforce or weakening the strong community relationships that make CHWs effective.