HB 3793 establishes new training hour requirements for nursing education programs in Oklahoma. It mandates that diploma programs for registered nurses must total 1,300-1,500 hours (including clinical training), while LPN-to-RN ladder programs must provide 600-700 additional nursing hours beyond LPN education. Non-nursing coursework in both program types is capped at 330 hours. The bill affects nursing programs seeking state approval and takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 3682, the Oklahoma Clean Indoor Air Act, prohibits smoking in most indoor public spaces including workplaces, restaurants, bars, government buildings, schools, stores, and public transportation starting November 1, 2026. It allows exceptions for tobacco shops with proper ventilation, private residences (except for childcare/health services), designated hotel smoking rooms (limited percentage), and tribal lands. Establishments must display clear "No Smoking" signage, and the State Department of Health will create enforcement rules. Local governments may adopt stricter smoking bans than this state law.
HB 3887 removes a 30-day limit requiring physical therapists to obtain a doctor's referral for patient care in Oklahoma. It allows physical therapists (including those working directly for employers) to provide treatment without a referral for up to 30 days, after which a referral from a physician, dentist, chiropractor, podiatrist, or advanced nurse is required. The bill specifically exempts care for children under federal education laws (IDEA/Section 504) and allows physical therapists to offer wellness/prevention services without referrals. It does not change requirements for students, federal employees, or prevent physical therapists from performing screening or educational services. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 3390 requires the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to update its Provider Search website to include specific information about Home and Community Based programs, directly affecting agencies providing Advantage Waiver, Living Choice, Medically Fragile Waiver, and State Plan Personal Care services. The website must display a rating system, inspection reports, substantiated complaints, administrator details, and a link to report issues to the State Department of Health. Agencies must update their information annually to maintain accuracy on the site. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 4407 creates the "Options Counseling for Long-term Care Revolving Fund" within Oklahoma's State Treasury to provide free long-term care planning assistance. The fund, financed by state/federal appropriations, donations, and grants, will allow the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to offer in-person or phone counseling about long-term care options to individuals or their representatives. Money from the fund can be spent without annual budget restrictions, with expenditures requiring standard state approval processes. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and is classified as an emergency measure.
HB 3784 restricts medical micropigmentation (permanent makeup for medical purposes, such as scar camouflage or breast reconstruction) to be performed only in physician offices. It limits who can perform the procedure to three categories: physicians, registered nurses with a special health commissioner certificate working under physician supervision (after 6,240 supervised hours), and other certified individuals under similar supervision rules. Supervision ends once the required hours are documented with the State Board of Health and prescription medications aren't used on clients. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 4410 regulates referral agencies that connect seniors to assisted living facilities. It requires agencies to provide clear, written disclosures to consumers before referrals, including fee details, payment responsibility, and the right to terminate services without penalty. The bill prohibits agencies from charging fees for facility transfers within the same provider, after 12 months of service, or for referrals to unlicensed facilities. It also bans conflicts of interest (like owning facilities they refer to) and mandates background checks, insurance, and annual facility license audits for referral agencies. These changes directly affect consumers choosing care, referral agencies, and assisted living facilities.
HB 4412 creates a permanent revolving fund in Oklahoma's State Treasury called the "ADvantage Waiver Home and Community-based Services for Seniors Revolving Fund." This fund, managed by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, will provide home and community-based care services to seniors who would otherwise require nursing facility placement but choose to remain in home or community settings instead. The fund will be financed using state and federal funds, donations, grants, and other designated contributions, with no annual budget restrictions. It becomes effective July 1, 2026, to support seniors seeking alternatives to nursing home care.
SB 207 establishes the Oklahoma Rare Disease Advisory Council within the State Department of Health to address the needs of Oklahomans living with rare diseases (defined as conditions affecting fewer than 200,000 people nationally). The Council, composed of 13 diverse members including patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, researchers, and industry representatives, will conduct public hearings, develop policy recommendations, and create emergency care protocols to improve access to specialists, diagnostics, and equitable treatment. The bill also modifies Oklahoma’s newborn screening program to require an educational initiative for treatable genetic disorders, aiming to prevent intellectual disabilities and reduce infant mortality through early intervention. This legislation directly affects rare disease patients, their families, healthcare providers, and state agencies responsible for public health programs in Oklahoma.
SB 1039 modifies Oklahoma's medical marijuana licensing system. It establishes a new Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority to process applications, sets a $100 biannual fee (or $20 for Medicaid/Medicare/SoonerCare users) for patient licenses, and creates three license types: standard two-year licenses, 60-day short-term licenses for patients with limited physician recommendations, and 30-day temporary licenses for out-of-state patients from regulated states. The bill requires the Authority to review applications within 14 business days and provide written denial reasons, while also creating caregiver licenses for homebound patients with specific limits. This law directly affects Oklahoma residents seeking medical marijuana access, out-of-state visitors with valid programs, and caregivers.
