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 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 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 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.
SB 392 extends the expiration date of Oklahoma's Long-Term Care Facility Advisory Council from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2026. The council, which advises on standards for nursing homes, residential care facilities, and adult day care services, continues with its existing structure of 13 members including healthcare professionals and public representatives over age 65. This extension ensures uninterrupted review of care quality, facility regulations, and enforcement under the Nursing Home Care, Residential Care, and Adult Day Care Acts. The bill does not alter the council's duties or membership requirements.
HB 1484, known as "Rain's Law," requires Oklahoma public schools to provide annual, research-based instruction on fentanyl abuse prevention and drug poisoning awareness to students in grades 6 through 12. The bill mandates that this instruction cover suicide prevention, fentanyl abuse and addiction prevention, local resource access, and health education about fentanyl use. Schools must incorporate this content into health classes, and the State Department of Education will develop curriculum standards and resources to support implementation. The law also designates a week for "Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Week" to align with National Red Ribbon Week, with age-appropriate instruction determined by each school district.
HB 2513, titled the "Oklahoma Mental Health Reform Act of 2025," proposed creating a position requiring an individual with specific qualifications to address the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services' court-ordered consent decree. The bill specified requirements for this appointee and included an emergency provision. It was scheduled to take effect November 1, 2025, but was pocket-vetoed by the Governor on May 30, 2025, with the veto taking effect June 15, 2025, meaning it never became law. The bill directly affected the Department's compliance with its existing legal agreement but was not enacted.
HB 1224 allows certain minors to consent to specific health services without parental approval, including treatment for pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, substance abuse, or sexual assault. Parents generally retain access to their minor child's medical records, but this right is limited when the minor uses the bill's self-consent provisions for the listed health conditions. Health professionals must make a reasonable attempt to notify parents for emergency care but are not required to inform them for most other services covered under the bill. The bill also protects health providers from liability when acting in good faith under these rules, ensuring minors' confidentiality in sensitive health matters.
HB 2298 allows qualified Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in Oklahoma - such as nurse practitioners and nurse-midwives - to prescribe medications independently after meeting specific requirements. To qualify, APRNs must complete 6,240 supervised clinical hours, hold a valid license, and carry $1 million in malpractice insurance per incident. The bill also sets rules for APRN advertising (requiring clear disclosure of their role and scope) and defines supervision requirements for those not yet eligible for independent prescribing. It modifies Oklahoma’s Nursing Practice Act, Pharmacy Act, and Controlled Substances Act to implement these changes.
