Oklahoma Senate Bill SB231

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Long-term care; designating Oklahoma Health Care Authority as state administering agency for PACE program agreements; requiring certain enforcement; directing State Department of Health to create and issue certain license. Effective date.

Impact

The enactment of SB231 will amend existing laws, specifically portions of the statutes related to the Adult Day Care Act and Home Care Act, to clarify definitions and requirements for long-term care providers. This restructuring is expected to facilitate better oversight of PACE organizations and improve the quality of care available to Oklahoma's elderly population. By specifying that PACE organizations will not be licensed under existing home care and adult day care regulations, the bill aims to streamline the regulatory framework for these providers, promoting a more unified approach to long-term care legislation.

Summary

Senate Bill 231 seeks to enhance the management of long-term care services in Oklahoma by designating the Oklahoma Health Care Authority as the state administering agency for PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) program agreements. This bill will enable the Authority to enter into agreements with PACE organizations and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, thereby improving coordination and enforcement of federal laws related to elderly care. Furthermore, the bill outlines specific licensing and regulatory requirements for PACE organizations as defined by federal regulations, ensuring compliance with national standards.

Contention

While supporters of SB231 argue that the bill will provide necessary oversight and improve service delivery for the elderly, there are concerns regarding the implications of shifting regulatory powers solely to the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. Critics may view this as an encroachment on local control over long-term care services, potentially limiting the ability of local agencies to address specific community needs. The prohibition of dual regulations under different acts could also raise questions about the adequacy of oversight and standards being applied to home care services, making it a point of contention among stakeholders in the healthcare and legal communities.