SB 2037 requires licensed mental health professionals and health care providers in Oklahoma to obtain written, informed consent from patients before using artificial intelligence (AI) for therapy or psychotherapy services. The bill prohibits AI from making independent therapeutic decisions, directly interacting with clients during sessions, generating treatment plans without provider review, or detecting emotions. It mandates that providers maintain full responsibility for all AI-assisted interactions and explicitly states that final clinical decisions must be made by licensed professionals, not AI systems. Violations may result in disciplinary action and fines up to $10,000 per incident, enforced by licensure boards or the Attorney General.
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.
HB 4275 standardizes certification rules for two mental health roles in Oklahoma: behavioral health case managers and peer recovery support specialists. It requires the Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to establish uniform education, exam, supervision, and continuing education standards for these professionals. The bill applies to individuals employed by state/local governments, contracted service providers, tribal facilities, or VA facilities, and restricts certified titles to these specific employment settings. Certification fees are capped at $100, and failure to comply with rules may result in suspension or revocation. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 3912 requires health insurance plans in Oklahoma (including the State and Education Employees Group Health Insurance Plan) to cover scalp cooling systems for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to prevent hair loss, including the cost of the system, supplies, and monitoring. The bill specifies that scalp cooling is considered supportive cancer care, not cosmetic or experimental, and coverage remains subject to standard cost-sharing like other benefits. Plans must notify enrollees about this coverage by December 1, 2026, and the law excludes small employer plans (50 or fewer employees) and federal health plans, while also mandating Oklahoma Medicaid cover scalp cooling for eligible recipients. The bill takes effect on November 1, 2026.
SB 2029, the Oklahoma Medical Freedom Act, protects Oklahomans' right to refuse medical treatments, vaccines, or procedures without interference, and safeguards healthcare professionals who speak out against mandates. It prohibits licensing boards from disciplining doctors, nurses, or other providers for advocating patient rights, raising concerns about mandates, or whistleblowing on unethical practices. The bill creates legal recourse for healthcare workers facing retaliation, allowing them to seek injunctions, damages, and expedited court reviews. It directly affects patients making healthcare choices and healthcare professionals working in Oklahoma's medical system. The law takes effect immediately under an emergency declaration.
SB 2179 requires Oklahoma's Department of Mental Health to create a written individualized service plan for people found not guilty by reason of mental illness (NGRI/MI) within 45 days of their court adjudication. The plan must include treatment details, risk assessments, and service schedules, developed with the individual's input and based on a forensic psychological evaluation. Once approved by the court, the plan becomes part of the court's final order and must be reviewed quarterly for the first year, then semiannually, with updates provided to the court and parties. This bill directly affects NGRI/MI individuals, courts, mental health providers, and the Department of Mental Health by mandating structured treatment planning and oversight.
HB 3910 prohibits health care providers in Oklahoma from making misleading or untrue advertisements about their services, directly affecting clinics, hospitals, and other health care businesses that market to the public. The bill defines deceptive advertising broadly to include all media - such as websites, social media, TV, radio, and print - describing health care services. Enforcement is handled by the Attorney General or district attorneys, who can issue civil penalties of up to $3,000 for first violations and $10,000 for repeat offenses, after providing a 10-day cure period. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
SB 1908 removes the requirement for a prescription to purchase non-narcotic medications, homeopathic treatments, and medical supplies in Oklahoma. It prohibits state agencies, healthcare payers, and others from demanding prescriptions for these items and protects pharmacists from liability when selling them per the law. The bill directly affects patients seeking these products, pharmacists dispensing them, and healthcare payers. It takes effect November 1, 2026, and allows the State Board of Pharmacy to create implementing rules.
HB 4460 requires health insurance plans in Oklahoma to directly collect patient cost-sharing amounts (like copays and deductibles) from enrollees instead of providers, and prohibits canceling coverage for nonpayment of these costs. It mandates that health plans pay full in-network or out-of-network allowable amounts to clinicians and hospitals in a timely manner, regardless of whether the patient has paid their share. The bill also prohibits insurers from requiring providers to collect patient cost-sharing and establishes penalties, including fines, for violations. This law affects all commercial health insurance plans, patients, and healthcare providers in Oklahoma, effective November 1, 2026.
HB 3587 allows Oklahoma courts to order outpatient mental health treatment instead of hospitalization for eligible individuals, prioritizing community-based care when it meets treatment needs and prevents harm to the person or others. The bill requires certified community mental health centers to develop treatment plans in collaboration with the individual, advocates, and their treatment team, which must be approved by the court. Courts must review these plans at least every 90 days through status hearings (with 72-hour notice), prohibit forced medication administration, and allow modifications or extensions if needed. This law directly affects individuals under court-ordered outpatient treatment and mental health providers, ensuring structured oversight while preserving patient rights.
