§ 13-3705

(a) (1) (i) Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a certified community health worker training program must be accredited by the Department before operating in the State.

(ii) A certified community health worker training program in operation on October 1, 2018, may continue to operate until the deadline established by the Department under paragraph (3)(i)2 of this subsection.

(iii) An apprenticeship program registered with the Maryland Department of Labor may be accredited by the Department as a certified community health worker training program.

(2) The Department, working in collaboration with the Advisory Committee, shall adopt regulations establishing a procedure for accrediting community health worker training programs.

(3) (i) The regulations adopted under this subsection shall include:

1. A deadline before which certified community health worker training programs in operation on October 1, 2018, must apply for accreditation; and

2. A deadline before which the Department will make a decision regarding accreditation applications.

(ii) The Department shall consult with community health worker training programs in establishing the time frames required under this paragraph.

(4) The regulations adopted under this subsection shall include:

(i) A procedure for reviewing a certified community health worker training program’s application;

(ii) Curriculum requirements;

(iii) A process through which an individual working as a community health worker on October 1, 2018, and who already possesses the knowledge taught in a community health worker training program accredited by the Department under this section, may be exempted from the training required under § 13–3706(b)(1) of this subtitle;

(iv) Requirements for periodic review of an accredited certified community health worker training program;

(v) A process by which the Department shall notify a certified community health worker training program in operation on October 1, 2018, of any changes needed to comply with the Department’s accreditation requirements;

(vi) A reasonable deadline before which a certified community health worker training program in operation on October 1, 2018, is required to comply with the Department’s accreditation requirements; and

(vii) A process by which the Department may revoke a certified community health worker training program’s accreditation that allows for an adequate hearing and chance for appeal.

(b) The Department, working in collaboration with the Advisory Committee, shall:

(1) Adopt initial regulations for the certification of community health workers that establish:

(i) That any individual who completes a community health worker training program accredited by the Department under subsection (a) of this section is a qualified community health worker applicant; and

(ii) An initial fee for the certification of community health workers, not to exceed $75, which shall be adjusted as advised by the Advisory Committee;

(2) Keep a current record of all certified community health workers;

(3) Collect and account for fees provided for under this subtitle;

(4) Pay all necessary expenses associated with certifying community health workers in accordance with the State budget;

(5) Keep a complete record of proceedings relating to certified community health workers; and

(6) Maintain a list of certified community health workers on its website to allow employers and consumers to verify the certification status of community health workers.

(c) The Department may adopt regulations on the procedures for:

(1) Denying a certification application;

(2) Suspending and revoking certificates;

(3) Renewing certificates; and

(4) Otherwise regulating the certification of community health workers.

(d) The Department may adopt any additional regulations recommended by the Advisory Committee for the certification of community health workers.