Sec. 5-5. Definition.

199 words·~1 min read·/il/chapter-410/act-67/5-5

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

Sec. 5-5. Definition. In this Act, "community health worker" means a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member or has an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables the community health worker to serve as a liaison, link, and intermediary between health and social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. A community health worker also builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities, including outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support, and advocacy.

A community health worker shall have the following core competencies:

(1)communication;

(2)interpersonal skills and relationship building;

(3)service coordination and navigation skills;

(4)capacity-building;

(5)advocacy;

(6)presentation and facilitation skills;

(7)organizational skills; cultural competency;

(8)public health knowledge;

(9)understanding of health systems and basic diseases;

(10)behavioral health issues; and

(11)field experience.

Nothing in this definition shall be construed to authorize a community health worker to provide direct care or treatment to any person or to perform any act or service for which a license issued by a professional licensing board is required.