Chapter C1 – Article 20. CHA Initial Qualifications

Sec. C1.20.100. CHA General Requirements.

The Board shall issue a community health aide (CHA) or community health practitioner (CHP) certificate to a person who:

1. applies on forms provided by the Board;
2. pays the application fees required;
3. furnishes evidence satisfactory to the Board that the person has not engaged in conduct that is a ground for imposing disciplinary sanctions under chapter A-3;
4. furnishes evidence satisfactory to the Board that the person has completed the training and education requirements for the highest level of certification being sought, as follows:
   1. 20.100 [CHA I training and education requirements];
   2. 20.200 [CHA II training and education requirements];
   3. 20.300 [CHA III training and education requirements];
   4. 20.400 [CHA IV training and education requirements]; or
   5. 20.500 [CHP training and education requirements];
5. furnishes evidence satisfactory to the Board that at the time of consideration of the application the person is employed by the Indian Health Service or a tribe or tribal health organization operating a community health aide program in Alaska under the ISDEAA;
6. furnishes evidence satisfactory to the Board that the person will practice as a community health aide or community health practitioner only when employed by the Indian Health Service or a tribe or tribal health organization operating a community health aide program in Alaska under the ISDEAA;
7. furnishes evidence satisfactory to the Board that the person will practice as a community health aide or community health practitioner only within the scope of practice, of the certifications granted to the person as specified in sections:
   1. 20.110 [CHA I competencies];
   2. 20.210 [CHA II competencies];
   3. 20.310 [CHA III competencies];
   4. 20.410 [CHA IV competencies]; and
   5. 20.510 [CHP competencies];
8. except as required to satisfy the conditions for achieving the next level of certification or when practice would be permitted under section A3.10.030(i)(2) [grounds for discipline; unprofessional conduct; duties and responsibilities]; furnishes evidence satisfactory to the Board that:
   1. the person will practice only under clinical supervision and day-to-day direction of individuals who are:
      1. (A) familiar with the community health aide program, these Standards, and the CHAM and
      2. (B) employed by the federal government or employed by or under contract with a tribal health organization operating a community health aide program in Alaska under the ISDEAA; and
   2. provided that a community health aide, or community health practitioner may practice only under the medical supervision of a licensed physician; and
   3. notwithstanding the requirements under paragraphs (h)(2) other physicians, dentists, advanced practice providers, licensed behavioral health clinicians, and behavioral health professionals or other independently-licensed qualified healthcare professionals designated by the referral doctor may direct the day-to-day clinical activities of a community health aide or community health practitioner; as appropriate; and
9. furnishes evidence satisfactory to the Board that the person meets continuing education requirements as defined in chapter C-3 [CHA continuing education], as applicable.

Sec. C1.20.200. CHA Delayed Application.

An applicant for certification as a community health aide or community health practitioner, who completed the required training more than 24 months prior to submitting an application for certification, must provide evidence satisfactory to the Board that they:

1. meet all the requirements for initial certification by this Board Sec. C1.20 [CHA initial qualifications];
2. in the 24 month period preceding the application for initial certification by this Board has met the applicable requirements for continuing education set forth in chapter C-3 [CHA continuing education];
3. has not had an extended clinical absence between the completion of required training and the initial application; or,
4. if there has been an extended clinical absence between completion of a basic training session (training center and field components) and the initial application, applicant has met the guidelines as set forth in requirements for re-entry C1.30.200 [CHA re-entry].

Sec. C1.20.300. CHA Certification by Credentials.

The Board may waive one or more of the requirements of sections C2.20.100 [CHA I training and education requirements] through C2.20.510 [CHP competencies] for a person who provides evidence satisfactory to the Board that the person has healthcare training, education and experience at least equivalent in scope, quality, and difficulty to those imposed under these sections, provided the applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Board that the applicant is adequately familiar with the CHAP program and will limit their practice to the scope of practice of a community health aide or community health practitioner operating under the community health aide program standards.