HB 3287 requires all Oklahoma hospitals and healthcare facilities to post clear signage in visible and private areas, stating: "If you are a victim of domestic abuse or human trafficking for commercial sex, please notify the staff of this facility immediately." The bill mandates facilities to create protocols for reporting suspected abuse or trafficking cases to law enforcement before a patient's discharge or release, while also including procedures to protect victims from contact with alleged perpetrators during this process. The State Department of Health must establish rules for signage size, placement, and format. This law takes effect on November 1, 2026, directly impacting healthcare providers and supporting victims of domestic violence and human trafficking.
SB 1942 amends Oklahoma's dental insurance regulations to clarify what services insurers must cover and how claim denials must be handled. It defines "covered services" as all dental procedures the insurance plan must pay for, regardless of plan limitations like deductibles or frequency rules. The bill requires insurers to provide dentists with specific details - such as the reviewing dentist's license number and contact information - when denying claims based on "lack of medical necessity." This ensures transparency and allows dentists to directly question denials through designated channels. The changes apply to dental insurance plans and health benefit plans covering dental services in Oklahoma.
SB 1101 requires dental insurance companies in Oklahoma to annually report their "dental loss ratio" - the percentage of premium dollars spent directly on dental care services (not administrative costs) - to the Insurance Commissioner. Carriers must submit detailed data by July 31 each year, including the loss ratio calculation, enrollee numbers, plan costs, and coverage limits. The public will be able to access this information online to compare insurers, and the state will investigate carriers with significantly low ratios. This bill directly affects all dental insurers operating in Oklahoma, mandating transparency about how premiums are used for dental care versus other expenses.
HB 2144 creates a new legal cause of action for Oklahoma insurance policyholders and third parties who suffer unreasonable delays or denials of benefits by insurers, defining "bad faith" as violating an insurer’s duty of good faith and fair dealing. It prohibits insurers from including clauses reserving discretion to interpret policies or deny claims, eliminates the need to exhaust administrative remedies before suing, and guarantees jury trials for bad faith claims. The bill applies to all insurance policies issued in Oklahoma (including health, disability, and employee benefits), directly affecting insured individuals, businesses, and third parties who rely on insurance contracts. Key provisions clarify that insurers must pay valid claims promptly, and claimants can seek damages for unreasonable refusals or delays without first appealing to the Oklahoma Insurance Department.
HB 2964 allows Oklahoma patients to access their medical records and receive copies for specific, standardized fees. Patients pay 50 cents per page for standard copies, $15 for x-rays, and $20 for digital media, while excluding psychiatric records from these rules (which follow separate state law). Correctional facilities may withhold inmate medical records if release threatens safety or security. The bill also requires waiver of medical privilege in personal injury cases where a patient’s health history is relevant to the claim.
HB 3131 establishes a statewide framework for homeless services in Oklahoma, administered by the State Department of Health. It requires all homeless service providers receiving public funds (including state, federal, or local money) to meet minimum public health, safety, and financial accountability standards. Providers must submit annual reports on funding, services, and outcomes, while local county boards coordinate with providers and law enforcement on safety protocols. The bill also creates statewide reporting requirements and enforcement procedures for noncompliance, ensuring transparency without disclosing personal client information.
HB 3976 establishes a grant program under Oklahoma's State Department of Health to help rural and small hospitals open new facilities or keep existing ones open by funding infrastructure, equipment, or technology needs. Hospitals applying must contribute at least 20% of project costs through cash or in-kind donations. The program will be funded through a new revolving fund in the state treasury, which replenishes itself and can be used continuously without annual budget limits.
HB 3791 protects healthcare providers and parents regarding alternative treatments. It states that doctors, nurses, and physician assistants may recommend holistic or natural treatments they believe are beneficial without risking license loss (Section 1A). Parents or legal guardians may choose such treatments for their children instead of medical advice, with no legal repercussions for child neglect (Section 1B). The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 3975 establishes the Oklahoma Rural Health Transformation Program (ORHT) to manage federal funds for rural health initiatives, designating the Oklahoma State Department of Health (ODH) as the lead agency responsible for overseeing these funds and reporting to state officials. The bill creates an Oklahoma Rural Health Transformation Revolving Fund to hold federal funds, requiring ODH to submit annual reports to state leaders and quarterly public updates on fund expenditures and project progress. It mandates ODH to align program outcomes with federal reporting requirements to ensure proper oversight of funds received through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
HB 4124 allows Oklahoma pharmacists to dispense ivermectin to patients without a prescription, following state pharmacy board protocols. Pharmacists would be protected from legal liability when dispensing ivermectin per these protocols. The Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy would create specific rules for implementation, including patient instructions. The law would take effect November 1, 2026.
