Community health workers; creating the Oklahoma Community Health Worker Act; providing for voluntary certification. Effective date.

SB 362 creates the Oklahoma Community Health Worker Act, establishing a voluntary state certification system for community health workers. The bill defines "community health worker" as trusted frontline public health workers serving their communities, and sets up a certificate issued by the State Department of Health. Certified workers may serve as liaisons between communities and health services, identify resource gaps, and support community health through education and advocacy. The law requires the Department of Health to set standards, exams, and fees for certification, effective November 1, 2025.