ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Legislation that would create a state certification program for all community health workers in New Mexico will become law.
Gov. Susana Martinez signed off on the legislation Sunday afternoon after participating in a discussion with several health workers in Albuquerque.
The bill creates voluntary community health worker training that would be the standard statewide.
Martinez says community health workers are an important piece of the health care workforce, particularly in rural and underserved areas of New Mexico.
Supporters say better trained community health workers could help with the state's shortage of health care providers.
The certification would make community health workers eligible to be reimbursed by insurance plans and even Medicaid for certain services.