Sponsors (10)
The resolution supports expanding and professionalizing community health workers to improve access and health outcomes—especially for underserved populations—while raising the risk of higher costs for providers and potential credentialing barriers for CHWs if formalization occurs without funding or uniform standards.
People in underserved communities (low-income, rural, and urban residents) would gain better access to culturally competent care because community health workers (CHWs) serve as trusted liaisons and outreach workers, which can improve health outcomes and reduce patient/system costs.
Healthcare workers would benefit from CHW workforce development and stronger CHW networks that support fair wages and more sustainable funding, improving recruitment and retention in the health workforce.
Patients with maternal/child health needs, chronic disease, immunization, HIV, and primary care needs could see measurable improvements because CHW interventions have documented effectiveness across these areas.
State governments, hospitals, and health systems could face higher costs if CHW roles are formalized without dedicated funding, because mandates, certification, or new program requirements may impose added compliance and payroll expenses.
CHW workforce mobility and individual workers could be disadvantaged if emphasis on certification creates uneven credentialing barriers across states (recognition exists in 27 states), limiting employment opportunities for CHWs in states without comparable credentials.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Defines and recognizes community health workers (CHWs) and CHW networks, describing who CHWs are, the typical roles they perform, and the value they bring to public health and health care. It notes state-level recognition of CHWs, emphasizes that sustainable funding supports fair wages and workforce retention, and sets criteria for CHW networks (at least 50% CHW leadership or membership and a mission focused on workforce development, mentoring, mobilization, and advocacy). The text is declarative: it provides definitions and a statement of purpose intended to guide understanding and policy discussion about CHWs and CHW networks rather than creating new federal funding or mandates.
Introduced July 23, 2025 by Ronald Lee Wyden · Last progress July 23, 2025