The Kentucky Office of Community Health Workers (KOCHW) exists to strengthen, support and promote sustainability of the Community Health Worker (CHW) profession across Kentucky.
Community Health Worker Certification
The Kentucky Office of Community Health Workers issues official certification for community health workers who successfully demonstrate all eight core competencies through completion of qualified training or related work experience. For a complete list of Certified Community Health Workers please visit our registry.
Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS)
309.460,
309.462 and
309.464 outline the statutory requirements regarding CHW certification, continuing education, certification renewal and the duties of the Department for Public Health.
Kentucky Administrative Regulation (KAR) 902 KAR 21:040 authorizes the Department for Public Health to promulgate administrative regulations for the certification of community health workers.
Application Process and Resources
- Meet eligibility requirements as outlined in the
Kentucky CHW Certification Manual.
- Complete online application.
- Payment to the KOCHW via
online portal.
- Check email frequently for communication from the KOCHW regarding application status.
Resources
If assistance from our office is needed please fill out our Inquiry Form.Continuing Education for Certified Community Health Workers (CCHW)
All CCHWs are required to earn 10 continuing education units (CEUs) each year. To keep up to date on CCHW CEU approved trainings, please subscribe to the KOCHW Connection.
For more information about CHW continuing education, please refer to the
CHW Certification Manual and the KOCHW Connection.
Continuing Education Application for Organizations
This application is for organizations seeking continuing education credit approval for CHW training.
For additional information on the application process, please review the 
CEU one pager.
CHW Training Organization Approval
Any organization who wishes to provide the foundational CHW training must be approved by the Kentucky Office of Community Health Workers.
For information on qualifications and the application and approval process, please review the Training Organization Webinar. If you are ready to begin the application process, you can request the application below.
We strongly encourage the use of current or former CHWs as part of instructional staff. All trainers must apply for certification through the KOCHW within the first year of training organization approval.
CHW Advisory Workgroup
The Community Health Worker Advisory Workgroup established in 2014 brings together community health workers (CHWs), representatives from local health departments, federally qualified health centers, nonprofits, universities and other organizations that employ, want to employ or work with CHWs to share information and advance the CHW profession. The advisory workgroup currently has three subcommittees: Certification, Evaluation and Curriculum.
All are welcome to join and participate in the advisory workgroup. Meetings are held quarterly on the fourth Wednesday in January, April, July and October from 1:30 – 3 p.m. Eastern time. Meetings are held via Zoom.
CHW Impact Stories of Success Report
The Stories of Success report is used to demonstrate the collective impact of CHW programs in Kentucky.
Issue 3 CHW Stories of Success report.
The 2021 CHW Stories of Success report.
Kentucky Association of Community Health Workers
The Kentucky Association of Community Health Workers was formed in 2016 to advocate and promote the CHW profession in Kentucky. The association views CHWs as the missing link between the health care provider and the client. This relationship plays a key role in improving the health of our communities.
To learn more or become a member, please visit the
Kentucky Association of Community Health Workers website.
CCHW Complaints
Anyone may file a complaint to the KOCHW alleging that a CCHW has committed an offense or action prohibited under state law or that a certificate holder has violated Kentucky Administrative Regulation per 902 KAR 21:040. To file a complaint via mail, use the address below.
Kentucky Department for Public Health Office of Community Health Workers 275 E. Main Street, HS2W-E Frankfort, Kentucky 40621
Complaints should contain:
- A statement that the CCHW has violated the requirements of Kentucky Administrative Regulation per 902 KAR 21:040 or the CHW code of ethics
- The facts on which the complaint is based; and
- The signature and contact information for the complainant.
Upon receipt of a complaint, KOCHW shall provide notice to the CCHW named in the complaint that a complaint has been filed and provide the CCHW an opportunity to respond to the complaint, including a proposal to resolve the complaint.
Anonymous complaints will not be investigated.
If the information received addresses a concern that is outside the scope of the Kentucky Office of Community Health Workers Certification Standards or Code of Ethics, KOCHW will not consider the concern a complaint.