Resource information on Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Texas

This information was shared by Susan J. Calloway, PhD, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FAANP. 

DSHS oversees their training and certification. This mainly entails processing certification applications and renewals for CHWs and CHW Instructors (verifying completion of the course or vetting work experience), reviewing and approving material used as part of the certification course and continuing education, and vetting applications for entities that want to become training programs. There are a lot of training programs around the state, and they all have the liberty to develop their own curricula, as long as it aligns with one or more of the core competencies required for certification/CEUs.

• This area also oversees the Community Health Worker Advisory Committee. The committee meets quarterly, and the meetings are open to the public. The committee used to have a subcommittee that was working towards getting subcommittee services as a paid benefit under Medicaid. However, it is unsure if the subcommittee still exists. Should you have any questions about the subcommittee or the advisory committee, you may email the CHW coordinator. 

 

HB 1575, from the 88th session, requires HHSC to establish a separate provider type for CHW for Medicaid reimbursement. The caveat is that this requirement is only for CHWs who provide case management services for children and pregnant women under Government Code Section 531.653(4). 

 

There are two main ways most organizations utilize CHWs: 1) CHWs work in a clinical setting, and 2) CHWs work only within communities, outside of clinical settings. The organization to contact about CHWs depends on what role you want to ask about. For example, Texas Tech, Texas A&M CCHD National CHW Training Center, and the Area Health Education Centers train and work more with CHWs based in clinical settings, whereas non-profits like South Texas Promotora Association, Dia de la Mujer Latina (Houston), or Familias Triunfadoras (El Paso) focus more on the in the community aspect. Texas A&M Colonias Program also focuses on community outreach. 

 

Lastly, during the 2022 National Conference of Mental Wellbeing, a presenter spoke about having CHWs do some sort of triage when making visits in the community. The CHW would make a house visit and ask a question, depending on the response they would ask a few more questions about suicide risk, severe disorder, substance use (including alcohol), or other common disorders that are not severe. They would then triage to evidence-based treatment. Granted, in this program, the CHWs have a Wellness Tool that guides them as to what questions to ask and what to do based on the responses. The presenter was Milton L. Wainberg, MD, Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Columbia University.