CHW Training and Certification Advisory Committee

The Promotor(a)/Community Health Worker (CHW) Training and Certification Advisory Committee is charged with advising the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) executive commissioner on rules to implement standards adopted under the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 48, relating to the training and regulation of persons working as promotores(as) or community health workers. The committee may review applications from sponsoring organizations or training programs and recommend certification to the department if program requirements are met. Additionally, the committee will carry out other tasks as requested by the HHS executive commissioner. 

Committee Members and Vacancies 

Committee membership includes four certified promotores(a) or CHWs, two members of the public, two professionals who work with CHWs in a community setting, and a member from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board or a higher education faculty member who has teaching experience in community health, public health, or adult education and has trained CHWs. 

View the current Advisory Committee Roster.

View the current Advisory Committee Bylaws. 

CHW Newsletter 

DSHS in collaboration with the Promotor(a)/Community Health Worker (CHW) Training and Certification Advisory Committee has published its latest issue of the Texas CHW/Promotores Newsletter. Read the Fall 2020 CHW Newsletter.

Previous editions:

CHW Newsletter Fall 2019  

Advisory Committee Meetings 

All meetings take place from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm Central Time at 1100 W. 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756.
Meetings are open to the public. No reservations are required and there is no cost to attend.
Meetings will be available via webcast.

Public Comment

DSHS welcomes public comment on topics related to Promotor(a) or CHW Training and Certification.

Members of the public who would like to provide oral comment are asked to complete a Public Comment Form when they become available for the upcoming meeting. Instructions for providing oral comment will then be emailed to you. Registration should be completed no later than 5:00 p.m., five days prior to the meeting. 

Members of the public who would like to provide written public comment to DSHS may send an email to Frank.Luera@dshs.texas.gov no later than 5:00 p.m., five days prior to the meeting. Please include your name and specify either the organization you are representing or that you are speaking as a private citizen. Staff will not read written comments aloud during the meeting but they will be forwarded to State staff and committee members for their consideration. Comments should not include confidential information or protected health information.

Members of the public may also use the Microsoft Teams Live Event Q&A section during the meeting to submit a request to provide public comment. The request must contain your name, phone number and specify either the name of the organization you are representing or that you are speaking as a private citizen. Do not include confidential information or protected health information in comments.

Public comment is limited to three minutes. It is not permissible for public speakers to interject or ask questions to committee members during the rest of the meeting.

Public members who are using handouts are asked to provide an electronic copy in accessible PDF format. Handouts are limited to two pages (paper size: 8.5” by 11”, one side only) of documentation. Handouts must be emailed to Frank.Luera@dshs.texas.gov immediately after registering and include the name of the person who will be commenting. Do not include confidential information or protected health information in handouts. Staff will not read handouts aloud during the meeting but they will be provided to members of the Advisory Committee and State staff.

Contact

If you'd like to attend a meeting and require assistive technology or services, or have questions regarding agenda items, content or meeting arrangements, please contact the CHW Coordinator at Frank.Luera@dshs.texas.gov or (512) 776-2777 at least five days prior to the meeting.

2021 Meetings

If you would like a copy of previous years agendas and/or minutes, please send an email request to: chw@dshs.texas.gov.

To stay informed on all CHW related news, sign up for email or text message updates.

External links to other sites are intended to be information and do not have the endorsement of the Texas Department of State Health Services. These sites may not be accessible to people with disabilities.