This bill changes Oklahoma Medicaid rules for autism treatment coverage. It requires a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder by specific licensed providers (like neurologists, developmental pediatricians, or psychologists) to qualify for applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. The bill prohibits Medicaid from requiring re-diagnoses after an initial diagnosis and mandates in-person ABA services while allowing remote supervision via telehealth. It directly affects Oklahoma Medicaid recipients with autism spectrum disorder seeking ABA therapy.
This bill authorizes an emergency appropriation of approximately $19.66 million to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The funds must come from the Rate Preservation Fund in the State Treasury and are designated specifically for Title XIX services, which are Medicaid-funded mental health and substance abuse programs. The legislation includes an emergency provision, allowing the funding to take effect immediately upon the governor's approval without waiting for the regular budget cycle. This action provides direct financial resources to the state agency responsible for administering mental health and substance abuse services.
HB 1484, known as "Rain's Law," requires Oklahoma public schools to provide annual, research-based instruction on fentanyl abuse prevention and drug poisoning awareness to students in grades 6 through 12. The bill mandates that this instruction cover suicide prevention, fentanyl abuse and addiction prevention, local resource access, and health education about fentanyl use. Schools must incorporate this content into health classes, and the State Department of Education will develop curriculum standards and resources to support implementation. The law also designates a week for "Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Week" to align with National Red Ribbon Week, with age-appropriate instruction determined by each school district.
SB 1837 requires the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) to seek a federal exemption allowing Medicaid providers in rural counties (population ≤60,000) to provide case management and develop person-centered plans for home- and community-based services. This directly affects rural healthcare providers who currently face restrictions under federal regulation 42 C.F.R. §441.301(c)(1)(vi). The bill mandates OHCA to establish conflict-of-interest protections for exempt providers, separating case management and provider functions within organizations. The exemption would permit these rural providers to deliver services without federal barriers, effective November 1, 2026.
SB 1421 requires all clinical staff, direct care staff, and volunteers working with minor children in Oklahoma mental health facilities or programs certified by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to complete nonphysical intervention training. The training covers nonviolent conflict resolution, communication skills, and promoting dignity, and must be completed within 30 days of hire with annual updates. Staff or volunteers cannot intervene with a minor child without this training. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026, applying to facilities receiving state funding through contracts with the Department.
SB 1591 limits THC content in medical marijuana edibles, capping individual products at 10 milligrams of THC and packages at 100 milligrams. It also requires packaging to minimize appeal to children, prohibits targeting under-21s with imagery, and mandates specific warning labels (e.g., "For use by licensed patients only," "Keep out of reach of children"). The bill directly affects medical marijuana processors and dispensaries by setting these product standards and requiring monthly reporting on production and sales. It does not change patient access or recreational use, focusing solely on safety and labeling for medical products.
SB 1564 requires Oklahoma's Medicaid program (Oklahoma Health Care Authority and its contractors) to use a specific billing code (HCPCS G0330) for facility fees related to dental surgeries under general anesthesia in operating rooms. This applies exclusively to surgeries performed on individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, such as those at ambulatory surgical centers. The bill mandates that the Authority set a reimbursement rate reflecting actual service costs, and all contractors must pay at least that rate for these claims. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2026.
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.
HB 2513, titled the "Oklahoma Mental Health Reform Act of 2025," proposed creating a position requiring an individual with specific qualifications to address the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services' court-ordered consent decree. The bill specified requirements for this appointee and included an emergency provision. It was scheduled to take effect November 1, 2025, but was pocket-vetoed by the Governor on May 30, 2025, with the veto taking effect June 15, 2025, meaning it never became law. The bill directly affected the Department's compliance with its existing legal agreement but was not enacted.
