HPAC Scholar's Day 2019 CHW_Assessment_Key_Findings | Page 15

The purpose of the secondary data collection was to further investigate
and summarize existing data on CHW utilization and training in Ohio in
order to identify gaps in knowledge about CHWs in Ohio to provide a more
comprehensive statewide CHW capacity assessment. Specifically, this
secondary data collection sought to identify the number of certified CHWs in
Ohio, how CHWs are being trained and certified in Ohio, and preliminary CHW
employment information to guide the next phases of assessment.
Discussion of Secondary
Data Collection Findings
Number of Certified CHWs in Ohio
According to secondary data analysis of Ohio
eLicense, there were 601 certified CHWs in
Ohio who span the ages of 19-82 years as
of January 2018. Most certified CHWs live
around major cities in Ohio, with the highest
concentrations living in Cuyahoga, Franklin,
Hamilton, Lucas, and Summit Counties.
The assessment team’s analysis revealed
that the current certified CHW workforce in
Ohio is relatively new as a majority received
certification within the past three years
(Figure 1). It was observed in the analysis
that between 2015 and 2017, there was a
large spike in the number of certified CHWs.
One possible explanation for this may be
the result of an increase in the number of
training programs for CHWs as part of the
Ohio Medicaid Technical Assistance and
Policy Program (MEDTAPP) funding for
the creation and support of CHW training
programs during this timeframe. One key
finding from the analysis revealed that of the
252 CHWs whose certifications have lapsed,
more than half had their certification lapse in
2017 alone (Figure 2). Of those who lapsed in
2017, 90 percent were newly certified CHWs
(certified in 2015 or 2016). In order to better
understand this observation, reasons for
lapse in CHW certification were investigated
in the survey phase of the assessment.
The secondary data analysis was unable
to find information on non-certified CHWs
in Ohio from existing data sets. Therefore,
key informant interviews, focus groups,
and surveys were necessary in order to
estimate the number of non-certified CHWs
in Ohio. However, it was uncovered from the
secondary data collection that some CHW
students from CHW training programs are
electing not to apply for the certification
because it is too costly (in terms of total
costs associated with application fees,
renewal fees, and continuing education fees)
and their current employers do not require
certification.
How CHWs are Regulated in Ohio
The OBN was tasked with developing and
implementing a program for the certification
of CHWs following the passage of House Bill
95 of the 125th Ohio General Assembly in
2003. The law required the Board to create a
certification program that recognizes CHWs
who represent and advocate for individuals
and groups in the community “by assisting
them in accessing community health and
supportive resources.”
In Ohio, CHW certification and training for
CHW certification is regulated by the OBN.
Below is an overview of CHW certification
requirements outlined in the Ohio Revised
Code (ORC) and Ohio Administrative Code
(OAC). The OBN regulates certified CHWs in
Ohio consistent with ORC Sections 4723.81
through 4723.88 and OAC Chapter 4723-26.
Secondary Data Collection
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