Governmental Tort Claims Act; modifying definition. Effective date.

SB 496 amends Oklahoma's Governmental Tort Claims Act by adding specific definitions for "Charitable health care provider" and "Community health care provider" to the act's definition section. The bill directly affects health care providers who serve medically indigent patients without charge (charitable providers) and those working at federally qualified or applying-for-status community health centers (community providers). Key provisions clarify that these providers, when meeting defined criteria, can file claims against the state or political subdivisions under the tort claims process. This change ensures these specific health care entities are explicitly recognized within the legal framework for filing claims, without altering the underlying claim procedures.