(a)    The Department may certify an individual to practice as a community health worker in the State.

(b)    To qualify for certification, an applicant shall:

(1)    (i)    Have completed a community health worker training program accredited by the Department under § 13–3705 of this subtitle; or

(ii)    Be exempted by the Department from the training required under item (i) of this item; and

(2)    Meet any other requirements established by the Department.

(c)    To apply for certification as a community health worker, an applicant shall:

(1)    Submit an application to the Department on the form that the Department requires; and

(2)    Pay any fee and submit any additional materials required by the Department.

(d)    The Department shall issue a certificate to any applicant who meets the requirements of subsection (b) of this section.

(e)    The Department shall include on each certificate that the Department issues:

(1)    The full name of the certificate holder;

(2)    The dates of issuance and expiration;

(3)    A serial number; and

(4)    The signature of the Department’s representative.

(f)    (1)    The Department shall establish a deadline after which an individual must be certified under this subtitle to make representations to the public that the individual is a certified community health worker.

(2)    On or after the date set under paragraph (1) of this subsection, unless certified as a community health worker under this subtitle, an individual may not represent to the public by title that the individual is certified as a community health worker.

(3)    An individual who violates paragraph (2) of this subsection is subject to a penalty determined and collected by the Department.