Personal Health Navigator (PHN)

A Personal Health Navigator (PHN) is an individual who provides information, assistance, tools and support to enable a patient to make the best health care decisions.  A PHN is an individual who meets qualification criteria adopted by the authority under ORS 414.665 and who provides information, assistance, tools and support to enable a patient to make the best health care decisions in the patient's particular circumstances and in light of the patient's needs, lifestyle, combination of conditions and desired outcomes.

PHN Certification Requirements

There are three ways that individuals can become an OHA-certified Patient Health Navigator:

• Option 1: Complete an approved training program 

• Option 2: Apply using Legacy Clause (see details below) 
  

• Option 3:  Apply using the Reciprocity (see details below) 

• PHN's are also required to complete THW Oral Health training
  
  

LEGACY CLAUSE

The Legacy Clause is an exemption that allows people who have been active in the field and who have lived experience, to apply to be state-certified as a THW (Each worker-type has its own specific requirements). Individuals seeking THW certification and registry enrollment as a Legacy Clause for a Patient Health Navigator must provide:

A minimum of one letter of recommendation from any previous employer for whom PHN services were provided within that last five years. The letter must be on professional letterhead, must have author's signature and must have contact information.

• Verifiable evidence of working or volunteering in the capacity of a PHN for at least 3000 hours between January 1, 2008, and June 30, 2025. "Verifiable evidence" means a pay statement, services contract, student practicum, volunteer time log, or other documentation reflecting hours worked or volunteered.

RECIPROCITY 

Individuals who hold an active PHN certification from the state of Washington or Idaho, and are in good standing with their certifying body, may be granted reciprocity or receive equivalent credit for previously completed training. Complete and submit reciprocity form to: THW.Program@oha.oregon.gov.

PHN Recertification Requirements 

Every three years, all PHNs must complete the required CEUs to renew their PHN certificate. 

• At least 20 hours of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) during every three-year renewal period 
• At least three of the 20 hours must be from suicide risk assessment, treatment, and management appropriate to the PHN scope of work. 

A list of Suicide Prevention Trainings (PDF) 

Additional Suicide Prevention Trainings/CEUs

Raices de Bienestar Suicide Prevention for the Latinx Community Training CEUs

Responding with Care Suicide Prevention Training

Application

• Apply for the Traditional Health Worker (THW) certification via the portal at https://healthworkforceregistry.oregon.gov/

• *Regarding recertification, for renewal purposes, we require applicants to apply within 60-90 days prior to their expiration date.

Once you are certified with the Oregon Health Authority, we will add you to our state registry. The registry is a reliable, trusted source for finding a traditional health worker in Oregon.