Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB724

Introduced
2/1/21  
Refer
2/2/21  
Report Pass
2/19/21  
Engrossed
3/9/21  
Refer
3/22/21  

Caption

Physician Advisory Committee; removing authority to establish parameters for certain maintenance or treatment. Effective date.

Impact

The enactment of SB724 reflects significant implications for workers' compensation claims in Oklahoma. Primarily, it consolidates powers by removing certain duties from the Physician Advisory Committee, which could result in more centralized control over treatment protocols. This bill mandates employers to provide necessary medical services promptly and holds them accountable for any delays. It also introduces updated guidelines for fee schedules related to medical care, potentially impacting how healthcare providers are reimbursed for treating injured employees.

Summary

SB724 is a legislative bill focusing on changes to the Administrative Workers’ Compensation Act in Oklahoma. Specifically, the bill modifies the authority of the Physician Advisory Committee and adjusts parameters regarding medical examination and treatment for injured employees. The proposed amendments aim to streamline processes related to the medical treatment of workers' compensation claims, emphasizing the responsibilities of employers to provide timely medical care and outlining specific procedures regarding the selection of physicians and treatment protocols.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around SB724 appears mixed. Supporters argue that the bill simplifies and clarifies the responsibilities of employers in providing medical care, thus benefiting injured workers by ensuring they receive necessary treatment without undue delay. Conversely, critics express concerns that reducing the oversight and authority of the Physician Advisory Committee may lead to insufficient regulation of medical practices in workers' compensation, ultimately jeopardizing the quality of care that injured employees receive.

Contention

One notable point of contention among legislators and stakeholders revolves around the potential impact on injured employees' rights to choose their treatment providers. The bill includes provisions that could limit the ability of workers to select medical care outside of what is prescribed by employers. Additionally, eliminating the authority of the Physician Advisory Committee raises concerns about the adequacy of oversight and the protection of employees' interests in receiving appropriate medical treatment. Debate on the bill reflects broader themes regarding the balance between regulatory control and ensuring efficient care within the workers' compensation system.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK HB3508

Employee Group Insurance Division; transferring division to the Oklahoma Health Care Authority; effective date; emergency.

OK SB324

Workers' compensation; modifying certain definition; clarifying applicability of Administrative Workers' Compensation Act; clarifying exception to exclusive remedy. Effective date.

OK HB3601

Workers' compensation; Physician Advisory Committee; committee member appointments; committee member qualifications; effective date.

OK HB2026

Workers' compensation; definitions; effective date.

OK SB287

Travel insurance; establishing purpose of act; authorizing persons with certain lines of authority to sell travel insurance. Effective date.

OK SB494

State government; removing certain language relating to CompSource Oklahoma. Effective date.

OK HB2584

Physicians assistants; Pharmacy Act; prescriptions for controlled dangerous substances; Physician Assistant Act; Committee; members; requirements; Public Health Code; authority for physician assistants to carry out certain functions; prescribing and administering controlled substances; supervision.

OK SB330

Self-insurance Guaranty Fund; removing certain Tax Commission notification requirement. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB131

State Medicaid program; creating the "Ensuring Access to Medicaid Act"; creating certain requirements for and prohibiting certain actions by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, managed care organizations and dental benefit managers; creating MC Quality Advisory Committee. Effective date.

OK HB2236

Workers' compensation; fraud; income reporting; law enforcement officers; effective date.

Similar Bills

OK HB3508

Employee Group Insurance Division; transferring division to the Oklahoma Health Care Authority; effective date; emergency.

NV SB376

Revises provisions governing industrial insurance. (BDR 53-629)

MS HB1578

Health insurance and Medicaid; require coverage for postpartum depression screenings.

CO HB1045

Treatment for Substance Use Disorders

MS HB1468

Medicaid; nonopiod drugs for pain management will not be disadvantaged with respect to coverage on preferred drug list.

MS SB2868

Postpartum depression; create new laws and revise existing provisions related to.

NV AB156

Revises provisions relating to substance use disorders. (BDR 40-331)

MS SB2397

Mental health facilities; provide for licensure of certain, and provide for Medicaid coverage for services provided.