Requesting The Department Of Health To Convene A Task Force To Identify And Develop Minimum Professional Standards For Community Health Worker Training Programs.
Summary
SCR16 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that asks the Hawaii Department of Health to convene a task force to identify and develop minimum professional standards for community health worker training programs. The resolution frames the request around the role community health workers play in addressing social determinants of health, improving health literacy, and helping people with chronic conditions navigate care systems and connect with community-based services.
The task force would be chaired by a Department of Health representative and include community health workers from each county plus representatives from public health, housing, Medicaid administration (Med-QUEST), higher education, health plans, hospitals, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander organizations, primary care, and a grassroots community organization. The resolution also allows for additional experts as approved by the chair, directs the Department of Health to provide administrative support, and requires a report to the Legislature with recommendations and proposed legislation by twenty days before the 2026 Regular Session.
Impact
Because SCR16 is a concurrent resolution rather than a bill, it does not directly amend the Hawaii Revised Statutes or create enforceable standards. Its practical effect is to initiate an executive-branch-led study process that could lead to future legislation or administrative action establishing statewide minimum standards for community health worker training programs. It also clarifies that task force participation alone does not subject members to chapter 84, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and it assigns the Department of Health a coordinating and support role.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests broad support for the measure: the Senate Health and Human Services Committee passed the resolution unanimously, 5-0, with amendments. The bill’s findings and structure indicate a generally favorable view of community health workers and their role in public health, workforce development, and access to care. No committee transcript was provided, so there is no recorded floor or committee debate to indicate opposition in the available materials.
Contention
No major opposition is evident in the provided record. The main policy question appears to be how to define and standardize training for community health workers without overregulating a field that often relies on community-based, culturally grounded practice. Potential areas of discussion include who should set the standards, how much authority the task force should have, and how to balance statewide consistency with county-specific and community-specific needs. The inclusion of a broad stakeholder list suggests an effort to reduce contention by involving public agencies, providers, educators, and community organizations.
Same As
Requesting The Department Of Health To Convene A Task Force To Identify And Develop Minimum Professional Standards For Community Health Worker Training Programs.