1. A. “Action against a certificate” means any formal action taken by the department that adversely affects certification status, including but not limited to denial of initial certification or re-certification, suspension or revocation or a certificate, probation or reprimand.
2. B. “Applicant” means an individual applying for community health worker certification or recertification.
3. C. “Board” means the board of certification of community health workers established under these rules.
4. D. “Certificate” means the document issued by the department to qualified applicants who have successfully completed the application process for certification as community health workers.
5. E. “Certification” means the voluntary process by which the department grants recognition and use of a credential to individuals who are eligible to practice as certified community health workers.
6. F. “Certified community health worker” or “CCHW” means a community health worker to whom the department has issued a certificate to practice as a certified community health worker.
7. G. “Community health worker” or “CHW” means a public health worker, also known as a tribal community health representative or a promotora, who applies an understanding of the experience, language, and culture of the populations that the individual serves and who provides services aimed at optimizing individual, family and community health outcomes.
8. H. “Continuing education” means courses or training designed to develop and enhance knowledge, skills, and professional development to ensure that CCHWs are up to date with current practices in the field.
9. I. “Conviction” means a plea or adjudication of guilt, a plea of nolo contendre, or an Alford plea, and does not include a conditional discharge or deferred adjudication that results in dismissal of a charge.
10. J. “Core competencies” means a combination of qualities, practical skills and knowledge, defined by the department as essential to the provision of services by community health workers, demonstration of which is required for certification.
11. K. “Department” means the department of health.
12. L. “Recertification” means a renewal of certification.
13. M. “Scope of practice” means the roles and related tasks performed by CCHWs in the provision of services, including the knowledge, skills and attributes needed to perform work-related functions, as defined by the department.
14. N. “Secretary” means the secretary of the department of health.

[7.29.5.7 NMAC - N, 1/30/15]