What Minnesota Did

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Minnesota:

Formed broad-based partnership including CHWs and other major stakeholders
Defined CHW scope of practice
Developed standard, competency-based CHW curriculum
Created CHW peer network for ongoing education and peer support
Used HEIP’s Policy Council to lead policy change process

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Minnesota’s initiative was created by the Healthcare Education- Industry Partnership, which was led by officials of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and now part of HealthForce Minnesota. The Healthcare Education-Industry Partnership’s CHW Policy Council led the effort for adoption of all of the initiative’s products. The council included all of the major stakeholder groups that might be affected by policy change.

In the early stages, after the background research studies were published, the initiative produced a statement of the scope of practice for the CHW and drafted a standard CHW curriculum to be implemented by community colleges and other post- secondary schools.

Its third major accomplishment, which has had ripple effects around the country, was a Medicaid State Plan Amendment authorizing Medicaid reimbursement for CHW services. This move required authorizing legislation, submission to CMS of the State Plan Amendment proposal, and, after approval by CMS, the publication of regulations for implementation.

And as in other states, Minnesota leaders placed emphasis on creating and supporting an autonomous peer network or association of CHWs to represent their interests.