Long-term care; Oklahoma Health Care Authority; PACE program; agreements; enforcement; regulations; exemption; rules; Adult Day Care Act; Home Care Act; modifying definitions; emergency.

This bill designates the Oklahoma Health Care Authority as the official state agency responsible for overseeing and enforcing federal regulations for PACE programs, which provide all-inclusive care for the elderly. It exempts PACE organizations from standard state licensure requirements for adult day care and home care facilities, though the Department of Health retains authority to regulate any external contractors these organizations use. Additionally, the legislation updates legal definitions within the Adult Day Care Act and Home Care Act to explicitly exclude PACE organizations from their scope. The law includes an emergency clause to ensure it takes effect immediately upon approval.