Healthcare

HB 1831 creates Oklahoma's first formal certification system for community health workers, establishing voluntary certification through the State Department of Health. It defines key terms, sets eligibility (Oklahoma residency, 18+ years old, U.S. residency, and 1,000 hours work experience option), and requires the Department to set standards, exams, and fees. The law specifically enables certified workers to serve as health liaisons, identify service gaps, and build community health capacity - while also authorizing partnerships with faith-based organizations for outreach. The certification becomes effective November 1, 2025, and does not require mandatory certification for workers.

HCR 1004 is a procedural resolution approving a consent decree resolving a class-action lawsuit against Oklahoma's mental health system. It formally authorizes the Oklahoma Legislature to adopt the court-approved settlement between the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the Oklahoma Forensic Center, and a group of individuals alleging inadequate competency restoration treatment for people found incompetent to stand trial. The decree resolves claims about delays in providing required treatment to ensure court competency, avoiding further litigation costs. This resolution does not create new policy but legally ratifies an existing court agreement.

HB 2379, the "Doran Act of 2025," requires all health spas in Oklahoma to have at least one automated external defibrillator (AED) on their premises. This applies to businesses offering fitness services like gyms, spas, martial arts schools, university fitness centers, and country clubs. The law mandates AEDs be accessible to staff and guests, with unstaffed locations needing visible signage showing the AED’s location and CPR instructions. Health spas cannot be sued over AED use unless they failed to purchase one or acted with gross negligence, and non-compliance makes service contracts voidable for customers. The law takes effect November 1, 2025.