Community health care workers; Oklahoma Community Health Worker Act; definitions; certification; rules; fees; effective date.

HB 2615 creates the "Oklahoma Community Health Worker Act," establishing a voluntary certification program for community health workers through the State Department of Health. It defines certified community health workers as frontline health professionals who serve as liaisons between communities and health services, helping identify resource gaps and building community health capacity through outreach and education. The bill requires the Department to set standards for coursework, exams, and qualifications, establish fees for certification and renewal, and create rules for granting or revoking certificates. This law directly affects community health workers seeking formal recognition and the communities they serve by standardizing their role and access to health resources. The act becomes effective November 1, 2025.