SB 1561 updates Oklahoma's enforcement rules for ambulance services that violate emergency medical regulations. It expands the State Commissioner of Health's disciplinary options to include requiring free public service or mandatory training programs, in addition to fines, license suspensions, or probation. The bill clarifies that out-of-state ambulance services responding to emergencies in Oklahoma must comply with state rules and submit documentation of their response. These changes strengthen oversight of ambulance services operating within the state.
SB 1849 modifies Oklahoma's continuing education requirements for podiatrists renewing their licenses. It mandates 60 hours of continuing education every two years, including at least 2 hours on pain management, opioid use, or addiction (unless the practitioner lacks a federal DEA registration). The bill broadens acceptable continuing education to include medical marijuana training approved by the Board and allows out-of-state practitioners to substitute hours from where they practice. Fully retired podiatrists are exempt but must complete accrued requirements if they resume practice. The changes take effect November 1, 2026.
HB 2268 requires the Oklahoma Medicaid Program or its contracted entities to reimburse providers for "cognitive assessment and care planning services" (defined using standard medical billing code 99483). This directly affects low-income Medicaid beneficiaries who receive these specific cognitive care services. The bill mandates reimbursement for these services under existing Medicaid rules, with no new funding or eligibility changes. It takes effect November 1, 2025.
SB 1379 establishes a two-year pilot program through Oklahoma's Attorney General's Office to provide grants to private nonprofit organizations supporting victims of sexual and labor trafficking. The program funds specific services like emergency shelter, mental health counseling, legal assistance, job training, and medical care - directly benefiting trafficking victims through partner organizations. Eligible organizations must demonstrate experience serving trafficking victims, maintain confidentiality, and use grants primarily for direct services (not exceeding 15% for administrative costs). Recipients must submit quarterly reports on services provided and outcomes, with the Attorney General compiling annual program evaluations for state leaders. The bill expands allowable uses of the Victims of Human Trafficking Fund to support this initiative.
HB 4430 changes Oklahoma's rules for physician assistants (PAs) by allowing those with 6,240+ hours of postgraduate clinical experience to practice without physician supervision. PAs meeting this threshold must report their hours to the State Board online (no fee), and the Board will maintain a public list of qualifying PAs. PAs with fewer hours or unreported experience must maintain practice agreements with physicians, including telecommunication requirements and regular reviews. The bill also clarifies prescription authority: experienced PAs can prescribe without delegation, while supervised PAs must follow their physician's delegated protocols, especially for controlled substances.
HB 4118 proposes a tax credit for Oklahoma caregivers of eligible family members. It allows a 50% credit on qualifying expenses - such as medical travel mileage, home modifications, medical equipment, and hiring aides - for caregivers with income under $50,000 (or $100,000 for couples) caring for someone aged 62+ who needs help with two or more daily living tasks (like bathing, dressing, or eating). The credit caps at $2,000 annually per family, rising to $3,000 if the care recipient is a veteran or has dementia. The total annual credit pool is limited to $1.5 million, with unused funds adjusted yearly. If passed, it would take effect November 1, 2026.
SB 1984 amends Oklahoma's Osteopathic Medicine Act to modernize regulations for osteopathic physicians and the State Board of Osteopathic Examiners. It clarifies definitions (like "emergency" and "emergency suspension"), expands the Board's subpoena power and authority to design exams, and updates disciplinary procedures by adding/removing grounds for action. The bill also requires electronic license renewals, clarifies telemedicine practice rules (requiring a proper patient record for remote care), and specifies conditions for emergency license suspensions. These changes directly affect licensed osteopathic physicians in Oklahoma, the regulatory Board, and patients through updated oversight and licensing processes.
HB 3934 creates two new "extended care permits" for dental hygienists in Oklahoma to expand access to preventive dental care for underserved populations. Permit I allows hygienists to provide services in schools, foster care, youth programs, and clinics for children (birth to grade 12) with specific experience requirements (1,200 hours or teaching). Permit II allows similar services for seniors (65+) and people with developmental disabilities in residential facilities, requiring 1,600 hours and special training. Both permits require supervision by a licensed dentist, restrict services to preventive care (like cleanings and fluoride), and mandate reporting to the supervising dentist. The bill directly affects dental hygienists seeking expanded practice and the vulnerable groups they serve in community settings.
SB 1447 prohibits the Oklahoma Employees Insurance Plan from awarding contracts to pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) that have settled lawsuits, been fined, or faced judgments exceeding $4 million in the past five years. The bill requires that state contract evaluations must favor PBMs headquartered in Oklahoma for at least one year and disfavor PBMs with corporate ties to health insurers, retail pharmacies, specialty pharmacies, mail-order pharmacies, or drug manufacturers. Contracted PBMs must also certify compliance with Oklahoma’s health information laws and maintain SOC 2 Type 2 security certification. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
SB 1567 modifies Oklahoma's rules for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) by allowing supervising physicians to charge reasonable fees for oversight services, requiring these fees to be disclosed in written agreements and based on fair market value. The bill prohibits the Oklahoma Board of Nursing from imposing fees for maintaining supervision agreements or related administrative tasks. It also mandates that supervision agreements include specific details like fee structures, scope of practice, emergency plans, and alternate physician designations. This directly affects APRNs who rely on physician supervision and supervising physicians, streamlining oversight requirements while ensuring transparency in fee arrangements.
