This bill changes Oklahoma Medicaid rules for autism treatment coverage. It requires a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder by specific licensed providers (like neurologists, developmental pediatricians, or psychologists) to qualify for applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. The bill prohibits Medicaid from requiring re-diagnoses after an initial diagnosis and mandates in-person ABA services while allowing remote supervision via telehealth. It directly affects Oklahoma Medicaid recipients with autism spectrum disorder seeking ABA therapy.
This bill authorizes an emergency appropriation of approximately $19.66 million to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The funds must come from the Rate Preservation Fund in the State Treasury and are designated specifically for Title XIX services, which are Medicaid-funded mental health and substance abuse programs. The legislation includes an emergency provision, allowing the funding to take effect immediately upon the governor's approval without waiting for the regular budget cycle. This action provides direct financial resources to the state agency responsible for administering mental health and substance abuse services.
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.
SB 1837 requires the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) to seek a federal exemption allowing Medicaid providers in rural counties (population ≤60,000) to provide case management and develop person-centered plans for home- and community-based services. This directly affects rural healthcare providers who currently face restrictions under federal regulation 42 C.F.R. §441.301(c)(1)(vi). The bill mandates OHCA to establish conflict-of-interest protections for exempt providers, separating case management and provider functions within organizations. The exemption would permit these rural providers to deliver services without federal barriers, effective November 1, 2026.
This bill proposes creating Oklahoma's first state-run paid family and medical leave insurance program. It would provide eligible workers (including employees and self-employed individuals who opt in) with up to 12 weeks of paid leave annually for childbirth, caring for a seriously ill family member, or personal medical needs. Benefits would be calculated based on the worker's average weekly earnings during their base period, with employers required to provide notice about the program and protect workers from retaliation for using benefits. The Oklahoma Department of Labor would administer the program, establish claim procedures, and require employers to maintain existing leave obligations.
SB 1383 requires Oklahoma Medicaid to cover diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) for beneficiaries with diabetes. It mandates the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to develop a state plan amendment for this coverage after completing a feasibility study and reporting on costs, clinical evidence, and pilot results. The bill defines DSMES as personalized education covering healthy eating, physical activity, blood sugar monitoring, and medication management. This policy change directly affects Oklahoma Medicaid enrollees diagnosed with diabetes by expanding their covered health services. The bill becomes effective November 1, 2026.
SB 1329 requires Medicaid providers in Oklahoma to screen women for postpartum depression during any in-person visit with a Medicaid member or her infant within one year after childbirth. This screening must be reimbursed under the state Medicaid program, directly affecting Medicaid providers and pregnant/postpartum women enrolled in Medicaid. The bill mandates the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to seek necessary federal approval and develop implementing rules. It becomes effective November 1, 2026, aiming to integrate mental health checks into routine postpartum care.
SB 1421 requires all clinical staff, direct care staff, and volunteers working with minor children in Oklahoma mental health facilities or programs certified by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to complete nonphysical intervention training. The training covers nonviolent conflict resolution, communication skills, and promoting dignity, and must be completed within 30 days of hire with annual updates. Staff or volunteers cannot intervene with a minor child without this training. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026, applying to facilities receiving state funding through contracts with the Department.
SB 1591 limits THC content in medical marijuana edibles, capping individual products at 10 milligrams of THC and packages at 100 milligrams. It also requires packaging to minimize appeal to children, prohibits targeting under-21s with imagery, and mandates specific warning labels (e.g., "For use by licensed patients only," "Keep out of reach of children"). The bill directly affects medical marijuana processors and dispensaries by setting these product standards and requiring monthly reporting on production and sales. It does not change patient access or recreational use, focusing solely on safety and labeling for medical products.
SB 1564 requires Oklahoma's Medicaid program (Oklahoma Health Care Authority and its contractors) to use a specific billing code (HCPCS G0330) for facility fees related to dental surgeries under general anesthesia in operating rooms. This applies exclusively to surgeries performed on individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, such as those at ambulatory surgical centers. The bill mandates that the Authority set a reimbursement rate reflecting actual service costs, and all contractors must pay at least that rate for these claims. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2026.
