HB 3544 prohibits AI chatbots with human-like features (e.g., claiming sentience or seeking emotional bonds) from being available to minors under 18. It requires developers to implement age verification systems and offer alternative versions without such features for minors. Therapeutic chatbots providing mental health support are exempt if they include clear disclaimers, require professional oversight, provide clinical evidence of safety, and maintain transparency. Violations could result in civil penalties up to $7,500 per intentional violation, with minors or parents able to seek damages of $100-$750 per incident. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 3795 ensures parents have full access to their minor child's medical records (including lab results, prescriptions, and electronic portal access) until the child turns 18, unless specific exceptions apply. Health care providers must grant this access within five business days without charging fees and cannot require minors to create separate accounts. Exceptions include records related to minor-consent services (like STI testing, substance abuse treatment, or pregnancy care), court-ordered restrictions, or documented risks of harm to the minor. Violations would be treated as deceptive practices under Oklahoma law.
SB 1941 establishes Oklahoma's RESTORE Act to improve access to reproductive health care. It requires the State Department of Health to collect data on conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, and unexplained infertility (affecting 15-30% of cases), and mandates certain healthcare facilities to provide restorative reproductive medicine services. The bill directs funding toward programs addressing reproductive health conditions, requires new provider training on natural approaches, and specifies that facilities must report on services related to fertility and symptom management. It focuses on conditions such as endometriosis (with a typical 10-12 year diagnosis delay) and male-factor infertility, without promoting specific treatments.
SB 1473 updates Oklahoma's guardianship definitions to clarify when a person with mental illness is considered "gravely disabled" and unable to meet basic needs like food, clothing, or shelter. It adds specific criteria guardians must meet to request authorities (like police or county officials) to retrieve a gravely disabled ward from an unsheltered environment and transport them to inpatient treatment. The bill changes "inpatient mental health treatment" to require 48 hours of continuous care (previously 24 hours) and explicitly states that mental illness evaluation or treatment does not automatically mean a person is incompetent. These changes apply to guardians, courts, and mental health facilities managing cases involving incapacitated individuals. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026.
SB 1549 makes Oklahoma vaccine manufacturers liable to individuals if their advertised vaccine causes harm. It defines "advertise" broadly to include paid promotions (like ads, influencer deals, or digital campaigns) but excludes standard doctor-patient discussions or clinic materials. Individuals harmed by advertised vaccines can sue within 3 years of injury and recover actual damages, court costs, and attorney fees. The law directly affects vaccine manufacturers promoting products in Oklahoma and individuals injured by those promoted vaccines.
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 4362 requires the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to apply for a federal 1115 waiver to expand Medicaid coverage for medical respite care (short-term recovery support after hospital stays) and supportive housing (housing with health services). This bill directly affects Oklahoma Medicaid beneficiaries who need these specific services but currently lack coverage. The key provision mandates the state to seek federal approval for this expansion, which would allow more vulnerable residents to access these critical care options. The change would take effect on November 1, 2026, if the waiver is approved.
HB 3489, the "Oklahoma Health Crisis Communication and Patient Rights Act," creates new rules for mental health crisis care in Oklahoma. It requires mental health facilities to ask patients to identify who can receive care updates (approved contacts), establish a temporary process for family or representatives to assist when patients lack decision-making capacity, and prevent facilities from asking impaired patients to sign legal documents. The law mandates facilities to coordinate care with primary doctors, notify approved contacts before transfers, document all decisions, and comply with privacy laws like HIPAA. It applies to all Oklahoma mental health facilities and takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 3645 amends Oklahoma's hospice care requirements to expand eligibility determination options when patients lack legal representatives. It allows hospice admission decisions by a licensed long-term care administrator (with 6 months oversight and two physician approvals), two physicians reviewing medical history, or a primary care physician managing care for six months. The bill maintains existing standards like 24/7 care, bereavement programs, and prohibitions on improper patient solicitation. It directly affects hospice providers and patients without appointed guardians, ensuring timely access to hospice services under defined criteria.
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.
