Code of Massachusetts Regulations
272 CMR - CERTIFICATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS, BOARD OF
Title 272 CMR 2.00 - PURPOSE, DEFINITIONS, AND SEVERABILITY
Section 2.02 - Definitions

The following terms as used in 272 CMR 2.00 shall have the following meanings, unless the context requires otherwise:

Address of Record. The address corresponding to a location where a Certified Community Health Worker receives official correspondence as most recently specified:

(a) on the Certified Community Health Worker's application form, or

(b) in written notice to the Board pursuant to 272 CMR 3.05: Responsibilities of a Certified Community Health Worker to the Board.

Applicant. The individual who has submitted an application to the Board and seeks certification on his or her own behalf.

Board. The Board of Certification of Community Health Workers.

Certificate. The document issued by the Board to qualified applicants pursuant to M.G.L. c. 112, §260.

Certification. The process by which the Board grants recognition and use of a credential to individuals who have met predetermined and standardized requirements.

Certified Community Health Worker. An individual who holds a certificate as a Community Health Worker issued by the Board.

Certified Community Health Worker Trainer. An individual who holds a certificate as a Community Health Worker Trainer issued by the Board.

CMR. Code of Massachusetts Regulations.

Community Health Worker. A public health worker who applies his or her unique understanding of the experience, language and culture of the populations he or she serves in order to carry out one or more of the following roles.

(a) providing culturally appropriate health education, information and outreach in community-based settings such as homes, schools, hospitals, clinics, shelters, local businesses and community centers;

(b) bridging or culturally mediating between individuals, families, communities and Health and Human Services, including actively building individual and community capacity;

(c) assuring that community members access the Health and Human Services they need;

(d) providing direct services, such as informal counseling on access to Health and Human Services, social support, care coordination and health screenings;

(e) advocating for individual, family and community needs pertaining to access to Health and Human Services; and

(f) additional roles as may be identified by the Board that may emerge in the development of Community Health Worker practice.

Community Health Worker Education and Training Program. A stand-alone program of instruction, training and experience that is designed specifically to provide the knowledge and skills that are essential to community health work.

Complete Application. A signed application form with no omissions and accompanied by all documentation specified in the form. An application that does not meet this definition is an incomplete application.

Core Competencies. The overlapping and mutually reinforcing skills and knowledge essential for effective community health work in core areas, as specified in 272 CMR 5.04(2)(a).

Family Member. A parent, step-parent, sibling, step-sibling, child, step-child, grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or first cousin.

Good Moral Character. Those virtues of an individual which are generally recognized as beneficial to the public health, safety and welfare.

Health and Human Services. A category of services that includes:

(a) health insurance programs and coverage;

(b) programs and services offered through government agencies including but not limited to offices and departments of local government, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services and corresponding federal agencies; and

(c) policies, programs and services that are reasonably related to the promotion and protection of human health.

Healthcare Related Practice. The delivery of healthcare services which requires authorization, licensure, certification or registration by a governmental licensing or authorizing body, including but not limited to services performed by a nurse, certified nursing assistant, pharmacist, pharmacy technician, pharmacy intern, dentist, dental hygienist, dental intern, dental assistant, physician or physician assistant.

M.G.L. Massachusetts General Laws.

Parent Institution. An entity or organization that provides or arranges for the resources and personnel necessary to offer and operate a Community Health Worker Education and Training Program.