Healthcare

SB 959 would allow Oklahoma health care institutions (like hospitals and clinics) and health care payors (like insurers) to refuse services conflicting with their religious or moral beliefs, including declining to use facilities for such services. It grants legal immunity from lawsuits or retaliation (such as job loss, license denial, or contract termination) for these refusals, while requiring emergency care under federal law. Religious entities could also base hiring, staffing, and admission decisions on faith. The bill failed in committee on March 3, 2025, and did not become law.

SB 1064 requires health insurance plans in Oklahoma to use evidence-based clinical guidelines when creating step therapy protocols (where insurers mandate trying cheaper drugs first). It mandates that insurers provide a clear, accessible process for doctors and patients to request exceptions when step therapy blocks necessary medications, and they must grant exceptions if the doctor provides justification (e.g., prior drug failure, adverse reactions, or medical necessity). Insurers must respond to exception requests within 72 hours (24 hours for emergencies), and failure to respond on time automatically grants the exception. The bill directly affects insurers, healthcare providers, and patients using prescription drugs covered under step therapy protocols.