The Governmental Tort Claims Act; definitions; ambulance districts; effective date.

HB 1340 amends the definitions section of Oklahoma's Governmental Tort Claims Act to clarify who qualifies as a "claimant" and "employee" for filing claims against the state or political subdivisions. It adds specific definitions for "Charitable health care provider" and "Community health care provider," including health care professionals working under contract at federally qualified health centers or community health centers. The bill also expands the definition of "Employee" to include contracted health care workers, such as those providing medical care in correctional facilities or community health centers. These changes directly affect health care providers, claimants, and state agencies when processing tort claims under the act.