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 South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services defines CHWs as “trained health workers who come from the communities they serve which aids in building trust and vital relationships with the residents of the community. This peer-to-peer relationship enables the CHWs to be effective links between their own communities and systems of care. The goal of the CHW initiative is to significantly lower health disparities in South Carolina by providing access to services, improving the quality and cultural competence of care, creating an effective system of chronic disease management, and increasing the health knowledge and self-sufficiency for Medicaid recipients.”
Certification and Training
The South Carolina CHW Credentialing Council (SCCHWCC) approves educational programs, including curricula, facilitators, and preceptors, to administer South Carolina’s Core Competency training for CHWs. SCCHWCC revised the core competencies and the process for training CHWs in 2019. SCCHWCC is led by the South Carolina CHW Association and includes representation from state health officials.
Medicaid Reimbursement
South Carolina does not reimburse for CHW services through its Medicaid program.
Other Funding or Financing Mechanisms
The South Carolina Legislature allocated funds for the South Carolina CHW Association and the Center for Community Health Alignment to support CHW activities.
Key Partnerships
The South Carolina Community Health Worker Association (SCCHWA) supports training and professional development for CHWs in the state and runs the South Carolina Credentialing Council, which includes varied partner organizations and state health officials.
State CHW Legislation
Information is unavailable.
State Resources
State Overviews
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.
