HB 2144 creates a new legal cause of action for Oklahoma insurance policyholders and third parties who suffer unreasonable delays or denials of benefits by insurers, defining "bad faith" as violating an insurer’s duty of good faith and fair dealing. It prohibits insurers from including clauses reserving discretion to interpret policies or deny claims, eliminates the need to exhaust administrative remedies before suing, and guarantees jury trials for bad faith claims. The bill applies to all insurance policies issued in Oklahoma (including health, disability, and employee benefits), directly affecting insured individuals, businesses, and third parties who rely on insurance contracts. Key provisions clarify that insurers must pay valid claims promptly, and claimants can seek damages for unreasonable refusals or delays without first appealing to the Oklahoma Insurance Department.
HB 2964 allows Oklahoma patients to access their medical records and receive copies for specific, standardized fees. Patients pay 50 cents per page for standard copies, $15 for x-rays, and $20 for digital media, while excluding psychiatric records from these rules (which follow separate state law). Correctional facilities may withhold inmate medical records if release threatens safety or security. The bill also requires waiver of medical privilege in personal injury cases where a patient’s health history is relevant to the claim.
HB 3131 establishes a statewide framework for homeless services in Oklahoma, administered by the State Department of Health. It requires all homeless service providers receiving public funds (including state, federal, or local money) to meet minimum public health, safety, and financial accountability standards. Providers must submit annual reports on funding, services, and outcomes, while local county boards coordinate with providers and law enforcement on safety protocols. The bill also creates statewide reporting requirements and enforcement procedures for noncompliance, ensuring transparency without disclosing personal client information.
HB 3976 establishes a grant program under Oklahoma's State Department of Health to help rural and small hospitals open new facilities or keep existing ones open by funding infrastructure, equipment, or technology needs. Hospitals applying must contribute at least 20% of project costs through cash or in-kind donations. The program will be funded through a new revolving fund in the state treasury, which replenishes itself and can be used continuously without annual budget limits.
HB 3791 protects healthcare providers and parents regarding alternative treatments. It states that doctors, nurses, and physician assistants may recommend holistic or natural treatments they believe are beneficial without risking license loss (Section 1A). Parents or legal guardians may choose such treatments for their children instead of medical advice, with no legal repercussions for child neglect (Section 1B). The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 3975 establishes the Oklahoma Rural Health Transformation Program (ORHT) to manage federal funds for rural health initiatives, designating the Oklahoma State Department of Health (ODH) as the lead agency responsible for overseeing these funds and reporting to state officials. The bill creates an Oklahoma Rural Health Transformation Revolving Fund to hold federal funds, requiring ODH to submit annual reports to state leaders and quarterly public updates on fund expenditures and project progress. It mandates ODH to align program outcomes with federal reporting requirements to ensure proper oversight of funds received through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
HB 4124 allows Oklahoma pharmacists to dispense ivermectin to patients without a prescription, following state pharmacy board protocols. Pharmacists would be protected from legal liability when dispensing ivermectin per these protocols. The Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy would create specific rules for implementation, including patient instructions. The law would take effect November 1, 2026.
HB 4092 establishes Oklahoma's statewide 988 Mental Health Lifeline system to provide 24/7 crisis support. It designates the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) as the lead agency to oversee suicide prevention and crisis services, including coordinating with designated 988 Lifeline Crisis Centers. The bill creates a 988 Trust Fund to finance the system, mandates performance and clinical standards for crisis services (such as mobile crisis teams and urgent recovery centers), and requires real-time coordination between emergency response systems. This directly affects Oklahomans in mental health crises by ensuring accessible, standardized care through phone, text, or in-person support. The law takes effect upon passage.
HB 4285 creates a dedicated revolving fund called the "Perinatal Quality Improvement Revolving Fund" within Oklahoma's State Treasury. The fund will receive state and federal appropriations, donations, and grants to support the Oklahoma Department of Health in reducing preventable maternal and infant deaths and health complications. It allows the Department to collaborate with research groups across Oklahoma to improve maternal safety and health outcomes using these pooled resources. The fund is designed as a continuous funding source, not limited to annual budgets, to sustain long-term quality improvement efforts in perinatal care. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026.
HB 4329 modifies Oklahoma law to clarify dental insurance claim processes. It defines "covered services" as those reimbursable under a subscriber agreement, regardless of deductibles or waiting periods. The bill requires dental plans to establish appeal procedures for denied claims based on medical necessity and mandates that written denial notices include the reviewing dentist's license details and contact information. This directly affects dentists and dental insurance plans in Oklahoma by standardizing claim denial processes and improving transparency. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
