Code of Massachusetts Regulations 272 CMR - CERTIFICATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS, BOARD OF

20 Jun 2025 --
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CODE OF MASSACHUSETTS REGULATIONS (CMR) – 272 CMR

Certification of Community Health Workers (CHWs), Board of

272 CMR governs the certification, scope, and practice standards for Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Massachusetts. The regulations are promulgated under the authority of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and overseen by the Board for CHW Certification.

1. Purpose and Scope

The primary purpose of 272 CMR is to:

Establish a standardized process for certifying CHWs

Ensure CHWs meet minimum educational and competency requirements

Promote quality, safety, and effectiveness in community health programs

Protect the public by ensuring that CHWs adhere to ethical and professional standards

The regulations apply to all individuals in Massachusetts seeking CHW certification and to organizations employing or training CHWs.

2. Definitions (Key Terms)

Community Health Worker (CHW): A frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has a close understanding of the community served.

Certification: Official recognition by the Board that an individual has met all educational, training, and competency requirements to practice as a CHW.

Board: The Board for Certification of Community Health Workers, responsible for reviewing applications, issuing certifications, and maintaining records.

3. Certification Requirements

Eligibility Criteria:

Completion of a recognized CHW training program approved by the Board

Demonstration of competency in core skills, including communication, cultural competence, advocacy, and health education

Background check: Must meet standards for ethical practice and public trust

Application Process:

Submission of completed application form to the Board

Proof of training completion and any required supervised practice

Payment of certification fee

Verification of adherence to professional standards

Renewal of Certification:

Typically required every 2 years

Continuing education or professional development credits must be documented

Compliance with ethical guidelines is mandatory for renewal

4. Scope of Practice

Certified CHWs may perform functions such as:

Health education and outreach in community settings

Connecting individuals to healthcare and social services

Advocacy for patient needs

Collection of health-related information for public health purposes

CHWs cannot provide medical diagnoses or treatment unless licensed in a separate health profession.

5. Board Responsibilities

The Board for CHW Certification under 272 CMR is responsible for:

Approving training programs and curricula

Issuing, renewing, suspending, or revoking certifications

Maintaining a public registry of certified CHWs

Investigating complaints of misconduct or violations of standards

Developing competency and ethical standards for CHWs

6. Enforcement and Discipline

Certification may be suspended or revoked for misconduct, fraud, or failure to comply with continuing education requirements.

Disciplinary hearings are conducted in accordance with administrative law procedures.

The Board may impose probation, fines, or remedial training in certain cases.

7. Training and Competency Standards

272 CMR specifies that CHW training programs must include instruction in:

Community engagement and outreach

Health promotion and education

Cultural competency and communication skills

Ethics and professional conduct

Resource navigation and advocacy

Competency assessments may include practical exercises, written tests, or supervised fieldwork.

8. Recordkeeping and Reporting

Certified CHWs and training organizations must:

Maintain records of training and continuing education

Report disciplinary actions or complaints to the Board

Ensure accuracy of information in applications and certification renewals

Summary Table: Key Elements of 272 CMR

Section	Key Focus
Purpose & Scope	Standardize CHW certification and protect public safety
Definitions	CHW, certification, board, training program
Eligibility	Training completion, competency demonstration, background check
Certification Process	Application, fees, verification, approval
Scope of Practice	Education, outreach, advocacy, referrals; no medical diagnosis
Board Responsibilities	Approve programs, maintain registry, enforce standards
Discipline	Suspension, revocation, fines, remedial training
Training Standards	Community engagement, health education, ethics, communication