The implications of SB1517 are significant for healthcare delivery in Oklahoma. By broadening the prescriptive powers of physician assistants, the bill aims to enhance access to healthcare services, especially in rural areas where physician shortages are common. Supporters argue that this increased autonomy will facilitate a more efficient healthcare system, allowing physician assistants to respond to patient needs without unnecessary delays. However, it also places increased responsibilities on physician assistants to ensure appropriate patient care in line with their delegated authorities and practice agreements.
Summary
Senate Bill 1517 modifies existing regulations governing physician assistants in Oklahoma, particularly their prescriptive authority. The bill amends Titles 59 and 63 of the Oklahoma statutes, allowing physician assistants to prescribe a range of medications, including controlled substances under certain conditions, as part of their practice. Notably, physician assistants are now less restricted in their ability to operate without the immediate physical presence of a delegating physician, provided that effective communication via telemedicine is maintained. This adjustment reflects a broader trend towards utilizing telehealth in response to increasing healthcare demands.
Contention
Despite the potential benefits, SB1517 has raised concerns regarding patient safety and the quality of care. Critics emphasize the risks associated with allowing physician assistants to prescribe controlled substances, particularly without direct oversight. They argue that while the bill aims to improve healthcare access, it could inadvertently compromise patient safety due to the potential for inadequate supervision. Balancing the need for accessible healthcare with the necessity for medical oversight continues to be a critical point of discussion surrounding this legislation.
Physician assistants; modifying authority to prescribe, order, and administer certain drugs; authorizing certain referral of violations. Effective date.
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.
Physician assistants; allowing physician assistant to sign death certificate subject to certain condition; modifying references relating to controlled dangerous substances. Effective date.
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.
Physician assistants; modifying authority to prescribe, order, and administer certain drugs; authorizing certain referral of violations. Effective date.
Practice of medicine; creating the Graduate Physicians Act; providing for licensure and practice of graduate physicians; specifying certain requirements, limitations, penalties, and protections. Effective date.
Controlled dangerous substances; providing for registration and regulation of pain management clinics; prohibiting dispensation of controlled dangers substances at pain management clinics. Effective date.
Practice of nursing; providing for independent prescriptive authority of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses who meet certain requirements; modifying various provisions of the Oklahoma Pharmacy Act, the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act, and the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act; effective date.
Controlled dangerous substances; requiring pain management clinics to register with State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision; prohibiting the dispensation of controlled dangerous substances at pain management clinics; codification; effective date.