Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB164

Introduced
2/1/21  
Refer
2/2/21  
Report Pass
2/3/21  
Engrossed
3/3/21  
Refer
3/22/21  
Report Pass
3/31/21  
Enrolled
4/22/21  

Caption

Medical care; modifying provisions related to informed consent to experimental treatment. Effective date.

Impact

The enactment of SB164 modifies existing state laws to streamline the consent process for experimental medical procedures, particularly in emergency situations. This is significant because it allows for research to proceed when a patient's informed consent cannot be obtained due to incapacity. The bill integrates federal guidelines on emergency research into state law, thereby enhancing the fluidity of medical practices, especially in critical care environments. It also solidifies the role of licensed healthcare professionals in determining the appropriateness of experimental treatments.

Summary

Senate Bill 164 aims to clarify and amend provisions related to informed consent for experimental treatments, tests, or drugs, particularly in cases where patients are incapacitated. The bill empowers a parent or legal guardian to provide informed consent on behalf of a minor or incapacitated adult for participation in such experimental procedures. It also details the chain of authority for consent, prioritizing family members based on their relation to the patient, thereby ensuring that the wishes of the patient are respected while facilitating necessary medical research.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB164 appears to be largely positive among legislators, particularly those advocating for patient rights and medical research advancements. Supporters argue that by allowing specified family members to consent on behalf of incapacitated individuals, the bill improves access to potentially life-saving treatments and fosters a more conducive environment for medical research. However, there is also concern from some advocacy groups about the implications for patient autonomy, especially in relation to consent processes that could marginalize the patients' own expressed wishes.

Contention

While SB164 is presented as a progressive step towards enhancing medical research capabilities, some points of contention have emerged. Critics worry that broadening the scope of who can provide informed consent may lead to instances where patients' own wishes, particularly expressed prohibitions against certain treatments, are overlooked. There are concerns about potential conflicts within families regarding consent decisions, which could complicate the intended protections for incapacitated individuals. Discussions reflected a tension between advancing medical research and ensuring that patient autonomy and rights are not inadvertently compromised.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK SB535

Revise laws related to experimental treatments

OK SB96

Medical records; authorizing access to certain billing information; modifying certain fee structure. Effective date.

OK HB1224

Health care; minor self-consent to health services; granting certain protections to parent or legal guardian related to medical records; effective date.

OK SB1225

Health care; parental consent to medical treatment of minors; broadening applicability of certain requirement; modifying conditions under which a minor may self-consent to health services; requiring parental consent for certain health services. Effective date.

OK HB3897

Workers' compensation; modifying various provision; effective date; emergency.

OK HB26

In provisions relating to abortion, repealing provisions relating to short title of chapter and to legislative intent, further providing for definitions, repealing provisions relating to medical consultation and judgment, to informed consent, to parental consent, to abortion facilities, to printed information, to Commonwealth interference prohibited, to spousal notice, to determination of gestational age, to abortion on unborn child of 24 or more weeks gestational age, to infanticide, to prohibited acts and to reporting, further providing for publicly owned facilities, public officials and public funds and for fetal experimentation and repealing provisions relating to civil penalties, to criminal penalties, to State Board of Medicine and State Board of Osteopathic Medicine and to construction; providing for reproductive rights; repealing provisions relating to compliance with Federal health care legislation as to regulation of insurers and related persons generally; and imposing penalties.

OK SB669

Practice of dentistry; modifying various provisions of the State Dental Act. Effective date.

OK SB837

In provisions relating to abortion, repealing provisions relating to short title of chapter and to legislative intent, further providing for definitions, repealing provisions relating to medical consultation and judgment, to informed consent, to parental consent, to abortion facilities, to printed information, to Commonwealth interference prohibited, to spousal notice, to determination of gestational age, to abortion on unborn child of 24 or more weeks gestational age, to infanticide, to prohibited acts and to reporting, further providing for publicly owned facilities, public officials and public funds and for fetal experimentation and repealing provisions relating to civil penalties, to criminal penalties, to State Board of Medicine and State Board of Osteopathic Medicine and to construction; providing for reproductive rights; repealing provisions relating to compliance with Federal health care legislation as to regulation of insurers and related persons generally; imposing penalties; and making an editorial change.

OK SB1929

Practice of dentistry; modifying various provisions of the State Dental Act. Effective date.

OK HB2304

In provisions relating to abortion, repealing provisions relating to short title of chapter and to legislative intent, further providing for definitions, repealing provisions relating to medical consultation and judgment, to informed consent, to parental consent, to abortion facilities, to printed information, to Commonwealth interference prohibited, to spousal notice, to determination of gestational age, to abortion on unborn child of 24 or more weeks gestational age, to infanticide, to prohibited acts and to reporting, further providing for publicly owned facilities, public officials and public funds and for fetal experimentation and repealing provisions relating to civil penalties, to criminal penalties, to State Board of Medicine and State Board of Osteopathic Medicine and to construction; providing for reproductive rights; repealing provisions relating to compliance with Federal health care legislation as to regulation of insurers and related persons generally; imposing penalties; and making an editorial change.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.