Rep. Preston Stinson

Maddy summarySenate Bill 1019 requires health insurance providers to cover certain anesthesia services without imposing time limits or restricting payment for "anesthesia time." The bill defines "anesthesia time" as the period an anesthesia practitioner prepares and furnishes services to a patient, and "payments for anesthesia service" based on prevailing medical coding standards. This directly affects health insurers and individuals undergoing medical or surgical procedures requiring anesthesia. Specifically, insurers cannot enforce policies that limit the duration of covered anesthesia or exclude its payment. The law became effective on November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 56 directs Oklahoma's Health Care Authority to create a program reimbursing family caregivers for providing home care services to Medicaid-eligible individuals under age 21 who qualify for private duty nursing. Family caregivers must pass background checks, work under a Registered Nurse's supervision, and be coordinated through a licensed home care agency. The program establishes reimbursement rates for these services and requires the Authority to seek federal approval for Medicaid funding. It amends existing definitions in Oklahoma's Home Care Act to clarify terms like "family member" and "home care agency." The bill takes effect immediately as an emergency measure.

Maddy summarySB 875 addresses the State Medicaid program. It proposes that entities contracted to provide Medicaid services would become ineligible for future capitated contracts if they fail to meet a specified minimum expense requirement. This bill directly affects organizations that contract with the state to manage and deliver Medicaid benefits.

Maddy summarySB 331, the Emerson Kate Cole Act, requires Oklahoma school employees to call 911 immediately after administering epinephrine to a student experiencing an allergic reaction. It also mandates that schools notify a student’s parent or legal guardian if a possible allergic reaction occurs and requires annual training for staff on recognizing allergic reactions and using epinephrine. The bill updates existing school medication policies (70 O.S. 2021, Section 1-116.3) to include these specific protocols for epinephrine use and allergic reaction response. These provisions directly affect all Oklahoma public school districts, employees handling medication, and students with known allergies requiring epinephrine.

Maddy summaryHB 2049 requires Oklahoma's Medicaid managed care plans to comply with federal parity laws for mental health and substance use disorder coverage. It mandates regular compliance checks on nonquantitative treatment limitations (like prior authorization), creates a standardized process for handling parity complaints, and requires the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to publicly report on compliance. The law directly affects Medicaid managed care plans, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, and Medicaid beneficiaries seeking mental health or substance use services. Key provisions include contract requirements for parity analysis, public disclosure of compliance reports, and a 30-day deadline for publishing federal reports. The bill became effective November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 2049 requires the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) to ensure Medicaid managed care plans comply with federal and state parity laws for mental health and substance use disorder services. It mandates that contracts with these plans include provisions for regular compliance analysis of nonquantitative treatment limitations. The bill also tasks the OHCA with developing a process for investigating and resolving parity complaints and requires the public release of compliance reports and de-identified substantiated complaints. These changes aim to enhance oversight and transparency for mental health and substance use disorder coverage for individuals on Medicaid.

Maddy summaryHB 2050 creates a new temporary licensure pathway for international medical graduates in Oklahoma who cannot immediately qualify for full licensure. It allows these applicants to obtain a limited license if they meet ECFMG standards, provide evidence of three years of post-graduate training or clinical practice abroad, secure employment at an accredited health care provider, and pass an English competency exam. During the limited license period (up to three years), they must practice only under supervision at an approved training program. After three years with no disciplinary issues and passing all USMLE exams, they may qualify for full licensure without the prior practice restrictions. This directly affects foreign-trained physicians seeking to practice in Oklahoma.

Maddy summaryHB 2050 establishes new requirements and pathways for foreign-trained medical professionals seeking to practice in Oklahoma. It specifies criteria for full licensure for foreign applicants, including educational program equivalency and accredited clerkships. A key provision creates a limited licensure option for international medical school graduates, allowing them to practice under supervision at specific healthcare providers with accredited training programs after meeting experience and competency requirements. After three years under a limited license and passing required examinations, these graduates may apply for a full and unrestricted medical license. The bill also addresses English language proficiency, documentation, and grounds for disciplinary action for these applicants.

Maddy summaryHB 2051 creates Oklahoma's "Supervised Physicians Act," establishing a temporary pathway for medical school graduates to practice under supervision. It directly affects Oklahoma medical school graduates who have passed required exams but lack full licensure, requiring them to enter a collaborative practice arrangement with a fully licensed Oklahoma supervising physician who meets specialty qualifications. Key provisions include a two-year temporary license (non-renewable), mandatory identification as a "supervised physician" via name tags/lab coats, and prohibitions against independent practice without the approved arrangement. The bill does not create a full licensure alternative but sets specific rules for this supervised practice period, with oversight by the State Board of Medical Licensure.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 2051, known as the "Supervised Physicians Act," creates a new temporary licensure pathway for medical school graduates in Oklahoma to practice medicine under direct supervision. It allows graduates from Oklahoma medical schools who have passed specific licensing exams to obtain a two-year, non-renewable temporary license. These "supervised physicians" must enter into a collaborative practice arrangement with a fully licensed supervising physician. The bill directs the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision and the State Board of Osteopathic Examiners to establish rules for this temporary licensure process, supervision requirements, and associated fees.