Code of Massachusetts Regulations 272 CMR - CERTIFICATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS, BOARD OF
Here’s an organized summary of the Code of Massachusetts Regulations (272 CMR) governing the Board of Certification of Community Health Workers (CHWs):
📘 272 CMR Structure
Title 272 CMR covers certification of community health workers via the Board. Its major sections include:
2.00 – Purpose, Definitions & Severability
Explains the intent, statutory authority, key definitions (e.g., CHW, education program) and severability (portal.ct.gov).
3.00 – Privileges, Scope & Responsibilities
3.01: Only certificate holders may use the title/logo “Certified Community Health Worker.”
3.02: Permitted duties include health education, outreach, care coordination, advocacy—excluding activities requiring licensed professionals (regulations.justia.com, portal.ct.gov).
3.05: CHWs must notify the Board within 30 days of changes in name, address, SSN, licensing actions elsewhere, and promptly respond to Board inquiries (law.cornell.edu).
4.00 – Certification: Initial, Renewal, Retirement
4.02: Eligibility requires being ≥ 18, good moral character, and:
Completion of approved CHW education and 2,000 hours CHW work (within prior 10 years), or
4,000 hours of work (from a limited window during 2015–2018) (portal.ct.gov, portal.ct.gov).
Must also submit three professional references covering the 10 core competencies, a photo, CORI documentation, and fee (law.cornell.edu).
4.03: Details on application completeness, review, and possible denial criteria. Final certification contingent upon age (18+), moral character, competency, documentation and fee .
4.04: Renewal requires submission of a complete form, fees, CORI updates. Expired certificates can be renewed with continuing education (portal.ct.gov).
4.05: A “retired” non-disciplinary status is available upon petition under defined criteria (portal.ct.gov).
5.00 – CHW Education & Training Programs
Defines approval standards, application process, and statuses (provisional, full, with warning, withdrawn) for training programs (portal.ct.gov).
7.00 – Continuing Education
15 contact hours required every 24 months prior to renewal.
Records must be kept for at least 6 years (regulations.justia.com, mass.gov).
Approved providers include Board‐approved training programs or Board-approved CE activities by other sponsors (mass.gov).
8.00 – Professional & Ethical Standards
Lists 30 conduct standards, such as accurate use of title, acting within scope, record-keeping, nondiscrimination, maintaining boundaries, reporting misconduct, and compliance (regulations.justia.com, portal.ct.gov).
9.00 – Complaints, Investigations and Board Action
Authorizes investigations via standard adjudicatory rules, grounds for discipline (reprimand, probation, summary suspension, etc.) (portal.ct.gov).
🔍 Key Highlights
Work experience vs. education path: Applicants need either a Board-approved training program + 2,000 hrs CHW experience, or pre‑2018 heavy experience (4,000 hrs) .
Continuing education: Mandatory 15 hours within 2 years from approved providers .
Strict ethics: The 30 standards in 8.02 provide a clear professional code (regulations.justia.com).
Reporting duties: CHWs must promptly inform the Board about personal data changes or disciplinary actions in 30 days (law.cornell.edu).
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