This information was collected through a combination of state surveys and NASHP staff research. It offers a snapshot of how the state is defining, training, certifying, and paying for the CHW workforce — as well as how the state is developing cross-agency and state-to-local strategies to improve community health in partnership with CHWs.
This is a dynamic policy space, and states are continuing to develop new approaches. We will continue to make periodic updates to this page. Learn more about state CHW policies across the U.S.
State CHW Definition
The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) does not have a formal definition for CHWs. However, ADH collaborates closely with Arkansas Community Health Worker Association (ARCHWA) which recognizes the APHA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics definitions for CHWs.
State CHW Governance
Arkansas does not have a dedicated state office of CHWs.
Certification and Training
Arkansas established a statewide CHW certification through HB 1258. This allows CHWs to be certified through the Arkansas Community Health Worker Association (ARCHWA) or through work experience with supplemental training and mentorship requirements. There are three pathways to certification through ARCHWA: experiential track, the traditional track and the apprenticeship track. Certification must be renewed every 2 years, and CHWs must take additional training related to the CHW scope of work.
ARCHWA, in partnership with the Department of Education, is charged with establishing a registry of approved CHW training programs.
The Hispanic Outreach coordination and the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) partnered to launch a pilot program training Hispanic CHWs in Spanish, focusing on implementation in the Northwest, Central, and Southwest regions of the state.
Medicaid Reimbursement
Through HB 1258, certified CHWs may be reimbursed through Arkansas Medicaid or health benefit plan.
As part of Arkansas’ section 1115 demonstration waiver, “Arkansas Healthy Opportunity for Me (ARHOME),” CHW workforce development investments are eligible under the Life360 HOME program, which offers intensive supports for eligible populations including high-risk pregnant and new moms, and babies; Arkansas living in rural communities, and young adults at greatest risk for poor health outcomes.
Other Funding or Financing Mechanisms
Arkansas SB 51 appropriates 6.9 million dollars towards the UAMS Community Health Innovation Center, with 2 million allocated towards maternal workforce training, including maternal community health worker training.
Key Partnerships
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Institute for Community Health Innovation has a current initiative to train CHWs to provide diabetes support in rural pharmacies.
The Community Health Worker Stakeholder Advisory Committee, formed to offer guidance on a certification program for the state, includes representation from the American Heart Association, Arkansas Department of Health, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Public Health, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care, Arkansas Minority Health Commission, Arkansas Rural Health Partnership, Arkansas State Board of Nursing, Baptist Health, Community Health Centers of Arkansas, Delta Dental, Mercy Health System, St. Barnards Healthcare, Tri-County Rural Health Network, White River Health, and more.
State CHW Legislation
HB 1258 establishes a statewide CHW certification and allows certified CHW to be reimbursed for services through Medicaid of health benefit plan.
State Resources
ACO – Accountable care organization
AHEC – Area Health Education Centers
APHA – American Public Health Association
APM – Alternative payment model
CBO – Community-based organization
CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC CCR Funding – Community Health Workers for COVID Response and Resilient Communities Funding
CHR – Community health representative
CHW – Community health worker
CPT Codes – Current Procedural Terminology Codes
C3 Project – CHW Core Competency Project
FFS – Fee for services
HCSPCS Codes – Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System Codes
HRSA – Health Resources & Services Administration
MCO – Managed care organization
NACHW – National Association of Community Health Workers
SDOH – Social determinants of health
VBP – Value-based payment
State CHW Definition: This category indicates where states have a formal definition of a CHW. In some cases, where there is not a definition in statute, this category may draw information from provider manuals and state websites or reports.
Certification and Training: This category includes information about how CHWs are trained in the state, which entities provide training, whether or not the state runs or recognizes a CHW certification program, and information about the entities that administer existing certification programs.
Medicaid Reimbursement: This category includes information about state Medicaid strategies that provide enrollees access to CHW services. Entries indicate whether state Medicaid programs currently reimburse for CHW services or incorporate CHWs into alternative payment models under the authority of a state plan amendment (SPA), or where states have earmarked funds to support CHW services under the authority of an 1115 demonstration waiver. It also indicates where CHW services might be supported through managed care approaches (e.g., where MCOs are paying for CHW services using administrative dollars or where states are using managed care contracts to incentivize or require MCOs to cover CHW services).
Other Funding or Financing Mechanisms: This category includes information about other state funding or financing approaches that cover CHW services or CHW positions. It includes information about federal grant dollars for which the state is the grantee.
Key Partnerships: This category offers information about key partners outside state government, including state CHW associations and CHW training entities, and highlights formal cross-agency partnerships within the state that support alignment of funding and resources for the CHW workforce.
State CHW Legislation: This category highlights any state legislation relevant to the CHW workforce. This might include statutory language directing agencies to develop a Medicaid reimbursement approach, laws that established state CHW certification, or other relevant statutes.
State Resources: This category offers links to any key reports or resources that states elected to highlight as critical to CHW policy and partnership.
