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 Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website uses a modified version of the American Public Health Association definition of CHWs: “Community Health Workers (CHW) are trained public health workers who serve as a bridge between the communities they serve and the health care systems, social services, and even state health departments. A CHW also builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support, and advocacy. CHWs are typically trained individuals who share socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicity, language, and/or life experiences with clients.”
State CHW Governance
Utah does not have a dedicated state office of CHWs. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services supports CHW initiatives in the state.
Certification and Training
State certification went into effect on March 2, 2023, through SB 104: Community Health Worker Certification Process. Certification is being implemented through the Utah Department of Health and Humans Services (DHHS) and will be administered through the Utah Community Health Worker Association.
For CHWs to be eligible for state certification, they must complete the CHW core skills training course, which was finalized in 2019. CHWs who have five or more years of experience can receive the CHW core skills training certificate by meeting program requirements based on work experience.
Medicaid Reimbursement
CHWs can enroll as Medicaid providers through the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), but Medicaid does not reimburse CHWs as independent providers. CHWs can work for a Medicaid provider and receive reimbursement from the organization if they complete the DPP lifestyle coach training.
As part of Utah’s Section 1115 Demonstration waiver, Utah Medicaid Reform 1115 Demonstration, CHW services are reimbursable for pre-release services to qualified incarcerated individuals within 90 days prior to release.
Other Funding or Financing Mechanisms
No information available.
Key Partnerships
The Utah CHW Association supports CHWs in the state through workgroups dedicated to skill development, professional identity, guides, and training. This includes the CHW Coalition Finance and Advocacy Workgroup, which developed a publication detailing the value of CHWs in Utah that resulted in the development and passing of SB 104.
State CHW Legislation
SB 104: Community Health Worker Certification Process established parameters for CHW certification in the state.
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.
