This chapter contains rules regarding community health worker (CHW) services.

(1) For the purpose of this chapter, CHWs are frontline public health workers who are trusted members, or have a close understanding, or both, of the community served. This trusting relationship enables CHWs to serve as liaisons, links, or intermediaries between health or social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery.

(2) CHWs may provide preventive services at any of the following three levels:

(a) Primary prevention. This level focuses on preventing the onset of disease or injury before it occurs by reducing risk factors and promoting healthy behaviors;

(b) Secondary prevention. This level focuses on early detection and prompt intervention to halt the progress of a disease, injury, or event during its initial phase. This includes conducting appropriate screenings and assessments for conditions; or

(c) Tertiary prevention. This level focuses on reducing the impact of an ongoing disease or injury and on managing and improving the quality of life for individuals with established diseases or conditions.