J Health Care Poor Underserved. 2021;32(2):892-909. doi: 10.1353/hpu.2021.0070.
As community health workers (CHWs) have increasingly become recognized as members of health care teams, several states have considered or implemented processes to certify them. Between April and September 2017, we interviewed 41 stakeholders (e.g., CHWs, employers, and state health officials) in seven states that had considered or developed CHW certification to gather information about their processes and lessons learned. Interviewees reported several areas to consider in developing certification such as requiring training and education, deciding whether to certify based on experience, ensuring that CHWs are members of communities served, and avoiding marginalization of some groups of CHWs. Participants highlighted strategies for ensuring active CHW leadership in decision-making about certification. Interviewees identified best practices for supporting CHW workforce development such as using national models and standardized training, supporting CHW leadership, involving CHW professional groups, convening workgroups, and educating stakeholders. Findings are relevant to states seeking to grow their CHW workforce.
随着社区卫生工作者（CHWs）越来越被视为医疗团队的成员，一些州已经考虑或实施了对他们进行认证的流程。在 2017 年 4 月至 9 月期间，我们采访了七个已经考虑或开发 CHW 认证的州的 41 位利益相关者（例如 CHWs、雇主和州卫生官员），以收集有关其流程和经验教训的信息。受访者报告了在制定认证方面需要考虑的几个方面，例如要求培训和教育，决定是否根据经验进行认证，确保 CHWs 是服务社区的成员，并避免某些 CHW 群体的边缘化。参与者强调了确保 CHW 在认证决策中积极参与的策略。受访者确定了支持 CHW 劳动力发展的最佳实践，例如使用国家模型和标准化培训、支持 CHW 领导力、让 CHW 专业团体参与、召集工作组和教育利益相关者。这些发现与寻求扩大 CHW 劳动力的州有关。
