SB 1566 Oklahoma Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Medicaid; modifying requirements and procedures related to applied behavior analysis treatment for autism spectrum disorder. Effective date.

This bill changes Oklahoma Medicaid rules for autism treatment coverage. It requires a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder by specific licensed providers (like neurologists, developmental pediatricians, or psychologists) to qualify for applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. The bill prohibits Medicaid from requiring re-diagnoses after an initial diagnosis and mandates in-person ABA services while allowing remote supervision via telehealth. It directly affects Oklahoma Medicaid recipients with autism spectrum disorder seeking ABA therapy.

Issues: ✓ Healthcare

Bill status died 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 2, 2026 Last action Mar 2, 2026

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What changed between versions

Introduced → Committee Substitute · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was revised from an 'Introduced' version to a 'Committee Substitute' version, incorporating significant substantive changes to how applied behavior analysis (ABA) services are regulated under Oklahoma's Medicaid program. The Committee Substitute adds specific requirements about who can deliver services in person versus remotely, clarifies telehealth supervision rules, and updates the effective date to November 1, 2026. These changes matter because they directly affect how autism treatment services are provided, who can supervise those services, and when the new rules take effect.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to include more specific requirements about service delivery methods (in-person vs. telehealth) and supervision qualifications, while maintaining the core provisions about diagnosis requirements and coverage protections.

REQUIREMENT

Added specific distinction between who can provide ABA services in person versus who can supervise remotely, clarifying that lower-credentialed professionals must provide services in-person while BCBA supervision can occur via telehealth.

Expanded telehealth supervision rules to allow BCBA supervision across state lines if the BCBA is licensed or credentialed in their state of residence, removing the previous requirement that supervisors be located in Oklahoma.

TIMELINE

Changed the effective date from an unspecified date to November 1, 2026, providing a clear implementation timeline for the new requirements.

DEFINITION

Added clarification that BCBA supervisors must be licensed in Oklahoma under Section 1928 of Title 59 or licensed/credentialed in their state of residence, creating a dual licensing pathway for out-of-state supervisors.

TECHNICAL

Updated page numbers and request numbers (from Req. No. 2677 to Req. No. 3609), indicating this is a revised version of the bill after committee consideration.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 16, 2026

Committee

Referred to Appropriations

upper

Feb 16, 2026

Upper · Passed

Reported Do Pass, amended by committee substitute Health and Human Services committee; CR filed

upper

Feb 2, 2026

Introduced

First Reading

upper

2 primary · 0 co-sponsors