Senator Hardin introduces bill to endorse community health worker training statewide

LINCOLN — Senator Hardin introduced LB912 to establish a statewide endorsement process for community health worker training programs administered by the Department of Health and Human Services.

On the floor, Hardin described community health workers as trusted, community-based public health workers who provide nonclinical services such as outreach, health education, care coordination and navigation, and social support. The bill would allow DHHS to endorse training programs that meet minimum core competencies while permitting local flexibility.

Hardin said evidence links community health worker programs to improved health outcomes and better access to care, particularly in rural areas where workforce shortages strain providers. He noted that LB912 contains no direct appropriation and that administrative costs could be offset in part by reasonable fees.

The bill was read for the first time and referred to committee per normal legislative procedure; any fiscal or programmatic implementation would be detailed in committee review.