Practice of nursing; modifying membership of the Oklahoma Board of Nursing; modifying appointing authorities; removing certain qualification of Executive Director. Effective date.
Impact
If passed, SB755 would significantly impact state laws governing the nursing profession. By redefining board membership, the legislation aims to bring a more diverse range of experiences into decision-making processes, potentially improving governance and responsiveness to the nursing community’s needs. The emphasis on including members engaged in education and various nursing specialties could result in a board that better reflects the current state of nursing and healthcare in Oklahoma. However, the provision allowing removal of members without cause may raise concerns regarding accountability and stability within the board.
Summary
Senate Bill 755 proposes several modifications to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing's structure and functions. Among the changes, the bill alters the composition of the board to include members with varying nursing backgrounds, stipulating that six members be Registered Nurses (RNs) and three be Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), ensuring their experience and current engagement in the practice. Additionally, the bill allows for the removal of board members without cause, modifies the quorum requirements, and updates the qualifications for the Executive Director. The bill is designed to streamline the board's operations and enhance its effectiveness in overseeing nursing practices in Oklahoma.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SB755 revolve around the implications of modifying how board members are appointed and removed. Critics argue that without the necessary checks and balances, such a provision could lead to politically motivated removals rather than decisions based on professional standards and the interests of nursing practice. Furthermore, the changes to the qualifications of members may spark debate on ensuring that all viewpoints in the nursing profession are adequately represented on the board, particularly those from underrepresented specialties and regions.
Carry Over
Practice of nursing; modifying membership of the Oklahoma Board of Nursing; modifying appointing authorities; removing certain qualification of Executive Director. Effective date.
Practice of nursing; modifying membership of the Oklahoma Board of Nursing; modifying appointing authorities; removing certain qualification of Executive Director. 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.
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 and the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act. Effective date.
Practice of nursing; modifying and adding grounds for disciplinary action; requiring disciplinary action for commission of certain criminal offenses. Effective date.
Practice of medicine; modifying membership of the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision; removing certain limitation on appointees. Effective date.
Oklahoma Uniform Securities Act; clarifying membership of Oklahoma Securities Commission; modifying qualifications for certain member of Commission. Effective date. Emergency.
Oklahoma Turnpike Authority; modifying membership of the Authority; modifying term length; modifying actions regarding removal of appointive members; prohibiting members from participating in certain votes; effective date.
State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision; modifying qualifications for membership; modifying certain procedures for disciplinary action; establishing Anesthesiologist Assistants Advisory Committee. Effective date.
Water and water rights; creating the Oklahoma Regional Water District Act; requiring development and coordination of certain districts for promulgation of regional water plans. Effective date.
Teachers; directing deposit of certain Oklahoma Education Lottery Act proceeds into Teacher Empowerment Revolving Fund; providing criteria for issuance of certain teaching certificates; effective date; emergency.