HB 3650 sets minimum reimbursement rates for healthcare providers treating Oklahoma Medicaid enrollees, requiring contracted entities to pay in-network providers 100% and out-of-network providers 90% of the 2021 fee schedule rates until 2035. It mandates value-based payment arrangements for providers (with quality-based incentives), requires 11% of contracted entities' healthcare spending to go toward primary care, and includes specific payment rules for rural health clinics, behavioral health centers, pharmacies, and ambulance services. The bill also establishes annual capitation rate updates and medical loss ratio penalties for non-compliant entities. It becomes effective November 1, 2026.
HB 4275 standardizes certification rules for two mental health roles in Oklahoma: behavioral health case managers and peer recovery support specialists. It requires the Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to establish uniform education, exam, supervision, and continuing education standards for these professionals. The bill applies to individuals employed by state/local governments, contracted service providers, tribal facilities, or VA facilities, and restricts certified titles to these specific employment settings. Certification fees are capped at $100, and failure to comply with rules may result in suspension or revocation. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 3016 requires Oklahoma schools to provide binocular vision screenings for students in kindergarten, first, and third grades to identify convergence insufficiency (a vision disorder affecting near focus). Screenings, conducted within 30 days of the school year start by trained school nurses or vision professionals, must be performed in addition to existing vision screenings. The bill establishes a Binocular Screening Revolving Fund in the state treasury to cover program costs using state appropriations, which must supplement - rather than replace - current school vision funding. The program begins in the 2026-2027 school year.
HB 4454 restricts THC content and packaging for medical marijuana edibles in Oklahoma. It limits each serving to 10mg THC (100mg per package) and drinks to 20mg per container, while banning child-appealing designs, candy-like shapes, and color additives. Licensed processors must comply with these rules, submit monthly production/sales reports to the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, and undergo annual inspections. The bill directly affects medical marijuana processors who create edible products and takes effect November 1, 2026.
SB 1503, the "Choosing Childbirth Act," allows Oklahoma to provide state grants to both in-state and out-of-state nonprofit organizations that offer services supporting pregnant women to carry pregnancies to term. It covers reimbursable services like medical care, mental health support, housing assistance, transportation, and postpartum care (aimed at reducing maternal/infant mortality by 3% by 2026), but explicitly prohibits funding for organizations providing or referring for abortions. To qualify, organizations must be registered nonprofits in Oklahoma, provide accurate fetal development information, and certify that funds won’t support abortion counseling or referrals. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026.
SB 1655 modifies Oklahoma's adoption confidentiality rules to allow limited sharing of identifying information under specific conditions. It permits biological and adoptive parents to mutually agree in writing to share identifying details, with court and agency notification. The bill also allows the Department of Human Services to share adoptive parent contact information with healthcare providers managing an adopted child's "Children’s Specialty Plan" for medical continuity. Most adoption records remain confidential, with exceptions only for these two scenarios, and the law takes immediate effect due to an emergency declaration.
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.
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.
