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.
This bill approves specific rule changes proposed by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority regarding the state's medical cannabis program. By passing this resolution, the legislature officially adopts these new regulations, which will guide how medical marijuana is distributed and managed. The Oklahoma Secretary of State is tasked with sending a copy of the approved rules to the Governor and the official state register. This action formalizes the authority's operational guidelines without altering the underlying laws governing medical marijuana use.
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.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to expand Oklahoma's Medicaid program to cover low-income adults. It would require the state to maintain eligibility without additional restrictions and allow Oklahoma to halt Medicaid expansion funding if federal matching falls below 90%. The amendment must be approved by voters via ballot measure. If passed, it would change Medicaid eligibility rules and create a specific funding threshold for state coverage. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to place this proposal on the ballot for voter approval.
SB 1290 allocates $3 million from Oklahoma's General Revenue Fund to maintain the state's 2-1-1 hotline for the 2027 fiscal year. The funding ensures the hotline continues providing direct support for basic needs like food, shelter, clothing, transportation, and medical assistance. This appropriation directly affects Oklahomans who rely on the 2-1-1 service for immediate help. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 4457 prohibits pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) from owning or controlling pharmacy licenses in Oklahoma. The State Board of Pharmacy must revoke licenses of violators after November 2026, though it may issue temporary licenses for rare, orphan, or limited-distribution drugs until September 2028. Pharmacies must notify patients of service changes by January 2027, and the Board must provide lists of compliant pharmacies. This law prevents conflicts of interest by restricting PBMs from owning pharmacies.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to establish the "Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund" for Oklahoma's tobacco settlement funds. It requires that at least 75% of new tobacco settlement payments (after 2001) be deposited into this trust fund, with specific percentages increasing over time. The trust fund's earnings must be used for cancer research, tobacco prevention programs, children's health initiatives, senior care programs, and education-related expenses, with unused funds remaining in the trust. The amendment creates two governing boards to manage investments and allocate funds, and it would require voter approval before taking effect.
SB 1847 modifies Oklahoma's ADvantage Waiver Program, which provides Medicaid home- and community-based services. It creates an exception allowing individuals with cognitive impairments to qualify if they were already residing in an assisted living center contracted with the state when their impairment developed, and the center has a specific accommodation plan. This change directly affects adults with cognitive impairments who live in state-contracted assisted living facilities and developed their condition after moving in. The bill does not alter financial or age requirements but adjusts eligibility for this specific group. The exception applies to those meeting all three conditions outlined in the bill's new subsection B.
HB 3345 requires mandatory mental health, substance abuse, and risk screenings for individuals arrested on felony charges in Oklahoma after their initial court appearance. These screenings, conducted by certified professionals from the Department of Mental Health, must be shared with courts, prosecutors, defendants, and their attorneys. Results cannot be used as evidence in criminal trials unless the defendant waives this right, but may inform sentencing or diversion options. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 3645 amends Oklahoma's hospice care requirements to expand eligibility determination options when patients lack legal representatives. It allows hospice admission decisions by a licensed long-term care administrator (with 6 months oversight and two physician approvals), two physicians reviewing medical history, or a primary care physician managing care for six months. The bill maintains existing standards like 24/7 care, bereavement programs, and prohibitions on improper patient solicitation. It directly affects hospice providers and patients without appointed guardians, ensuring timely access to hospice services under defined criteria.
