Civil procedure; statute of limitations for medical malpractice; extending to three years; effective date.

HB 4176 extends the time limit for filing medical malpractice lawsuits in Oklahoma from two years to three years. It directly affects patients who suffered injury or death due to medical care and wish to sue a physician, hospital, or health care provider. The bill changes the rule so that for cases arising on or after November 1, 2026, plaintiffs have three years from when they reasonably discovered the injury to file a lawsuit, instead of the current two-year limit. This change applies to cases based on tort, contract, or other claims related to patient care. The bill takes effect on November 1, 2026.