Practice of nursing; modifying and adding grounds for disciplinary action; requiring disciplinary action for commission of certain criminal offenses. Effective date.
Impact
If enacted, the bill is set to change the landscape of nursing regulation in Oklahoma significantly by expanding the grounds for which nurses can be disciplined. While it primarily aims to enhance patient safety and uphold public health standards, it also introduces strict measures against those convicted of serious crimes. These amendments can lead to immediate suspension of nursing licenses in cases of criminal convictions, thus enhancing the state's ability to protect the public from potentially harmful practitioners.
Summary
Senate Bill 719 (SB719) proposes modifications to the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act concerning the Oklahoma Board of Nursing's authority to impose disciplinary actions on nurses. The bill removes the requirement for the Board to impose disciplinary action based solely on certain grounds and modifies existing conditions under which disciplinary actions may be taken. Notably, SB719 requires disciplinary action for specified criminal offenses that relate to the qualifications and functions of nursing practice, emphasizing the need for accountability in the profession.
Contention
However, there are points of contention surrounding SB719. Critics might argue that the removal of specific requirements for disciplinary action could lead to an overly broad application of the Board's discretion, potentially punishing individuals for less severe infractions or misconduct that does not directly impact patient care. The balance between ensuring public safety and maintaining fair disciplinary processes may be a central theme in discussions about the bill's implications for nursing professionals in Oklahoma.
Practice of nursing; modifying and adding grounds for disciplinary action; requiring disciplinary action for commission of certain criminal offenses. Effective date.
Practice of nursing; eliminating supervision requirement for Certified Nurse-Midwife; modifying various provisions of the Oklahoma Pharmacy Act and the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act. Effective date.
Statutes and reports; Administrative Procedures Act; requiring electronic publishing of the Oklahoma Administrative Code and the Oklahoma Register; effective date.
Public finance; creating the Oklahoma Prosperity Act Trust; requiring State Treasurer to develop certain trusts and IRAs established under program. Effective date.
Agriculture Investigative Services Unit; transferring Agriculture Investigative Services Unit to Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation; repealer; effective date.
Agriculture Investigative Services Unit; transferring Agriculture Investigative Services Unit to Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation; repealer; effective date.
Administrative Procedures Act; modifying publication requirements; clarifying official version of certain publications from the Office of Administrative Rules. Effective date.
Oklahoma Uniform Securities Act; clarifying membership of Oklahoma Securities Commission; modifying qualifications for certain member of Commission. Effective date. Emergency.