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.
SB 2054 creates Oklahoma's "Mother and Child Protection Act," which prohibits the manufacture, distribution, or provision of abortion-inducing drugs in the state (defined to include drugs like mifepristone used for medication abortion). The law allows private citizens - not the state - to file lawsuits (via "qui tam" actions) against violators, with exceptions for medical emergencies (e.g., life-threatening conditions, ectopic pregnancy, or miscarriage-related cases). It specifically exempts drugs prescribed for non-abortion medical purposes (like chemotherapy) and does not apply to actions taken under federal law. This bill directly affects healthcare providers, pharmacies, and anyone distributing such drugs in Oklahoma.
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.
SB 2012 removes a restriction that previously limited prosecution for abortions performed in medical emergencies. The bill maintains Oklahoma's core rule that abortions are only permitted to save a pregnant woman's life in a medical emergency, with violations punishable by up to $100,000 in fines or 10 years in prison. It specifically removes the phrase "notwithstanding any other provision of law" from the prohibition section, clarifying that medical providers can be prosecuted for unauthorized abortions even in emergency contexts. The bill also explicitly states it does not criminalize pregnant women for outcomes related to their pregnancy or affect access to contraceptives. The emergency clause ensures immediate implementation upon passage.
SB 2074 requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to accept all documentation from pharmacies when challenging reimbursement amounts and include specific details in appeal requests. If an appeal is approved, PBMs must adjust payments within 14 days and provide claim-level details. The bill applies to all PBMs working with Oklahoma pharmacies and covers disputes over reimbursement rates for prescription drugs. It aims to streamline the appeals process and prevent delays in payments to pharmacies.
HB 3699 requires Oklahoma's Medicaid agency (OHCA) to seek federal approval for a supplemental reimbursement rate for physician practices, community health workers, and nonprofits already enrolled in Oklahoma's patient-centered medical home program. This rate specifically supports pediatric care for children from birth to age four, covering wellness visits and funding interdisciplinary staff needed to implement team-based care aligned with Bright Futures screening guidelines (at 9, 18, and 30 months). Providers must verify ongoing participation in evidence-based pediatric practice models through annual documentation. The bill mandates OHCA to periodically review the rate during future Medicaid physician service rate adjustments and takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 4463 creates the "Oklahoma Health Care Workplace Incentive Safety Act," requiring hospitals and health care systems receiving state reimbursement to adopt formal workplace violence policies. It establishes a committee to develop safety metrics, assess hospital compliance annually, and administer incentives paid by the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission. The bill directly affects participating healthcare facilities by linking state funding to workplace safety standards, with the committee also identifying federal funding opportunities and submitting legislative recommendations.
