To be or not to be: Flexible framework or standardized curriculum for training CHWs/promotores from diverse communities--Experiences from Texas

Utilization of community health workers/promotores (CHW/P) has grown exponentially in the past several years across the U.S. and internationally. With increasing numbers of CHW/P, numerous issues have become heavily scrutinized including: definition of CHW/P; certification/credentialing; scope and practice; payment and reimbursement; and core competencies/training. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Promotora/Community Health Worker Training and Certification Program resulted from Senate Bill 1051 (77th Texas Legislative Session, 1999), which established and operated a training and certification program for CHW/P, instructors, and sponsoring training programs. The CHW/P Training and Certification program provides leadership to enhance the development and implementation of statewide training and certification standards and administrative rules as pertaining to CHW/P, instructors, and CHW/P training programs. The program utilizes a standardized framework including eight standard core competencies for CHW/P training rather than a state-wide standardized curriculum. Each training center may submit autonomous curriculum that meets the requirements of the standardized framework. This system of autonomous training centers and curricula has allowed training centers and CHW/P to adapt trainings to address specific needs to improve the health and wellness of individual communities. This presentation will briefly describe: 1) discuss the certification and recertification requirements and approval process for CHWs, instructors, and training programs; 2) list and describe the core competencies of certification program; 3) describe examples of different certified training centers and curricula; and 4) facilitate a dialogue on pros and cons of a flexible framework versus standardized curriculum for training CHW/P. Session will have CHW/P or instrustor as co-presenter.