Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB3965

Introduced
2/5/24  
Refer
2/6/24  
Refer
2/13/24  
Refer
2/22/24  

Caption

Physician assistants; Pharmacy Act; prescriptions for controlled dangerous substances; Physician Assistant Act; committee; members; requirements; practice agreements; prescribing; emergency.

Impact

The bill proposes significant changes to the existing Physician Assistant Act and the Oklahoma Pharmacy Act. By expanding the permissible functions of physician assistants, it acknowledges their critical role in healthcare delivery, especially in underserved areas. The modifications aim to improve access to care by allowing physician assistants greater autonomy in prescribing medication, which could alleviate some burdens on physicians. Furthermore, it impacts regulations concerning who can prescribe controlled substances, thus potentially affecting public health measures related to drug use and prescribing practices.

Summary

House Bill 3965 focuses on amending rules governing physician assistants in Oklahoma, particularly related to prescribing controlled dangerous substances. The bill clarifies the authority of physician assistants regarding prescriptions, modifications to practice agreements, and increases the membership of the Physician Assistant Committee. Additionally, it clarifies pharmacists' authority to dispense certain drugs prescribed by physician assistants and advanced practice nurses, aiming to streamline healthcare delivery while maintaining patient safety standards.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 3965 appears largely supportive among healthcare providers who view enhanced roles for physician assistants as vital for patient care improvement and increased efficiency in the healthcare system. However, there is also concern about ensuring sufficient oversight and maintaining stringent controls over prescription practices to prevent misuse of controlled substances. This balance reflects a broader conversation about the roles of different healthcare professionals in providing comprehensive care while safeguarding patient health.

Contention

Debate around HB 3965 highlights tensions between expanding healthcare roles for non-physician practitioners and ensuring appropriate supervision and accountability. Some lawmakers and stakeholders fear that increased prescribing power for physician assistants might lead to potential over-prescription or misuse of controlled substances. These discussions underscore the challenge of adapting existing regulatory frameworks to changing healthcare dynamics while prioritizing patient safety and care quality.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK SB328

Controlled dangerous substances; broadening hospice exception from electronic prescription requirement. Emergency.

OK SB249

Controlled dangerous substances; defining term; broadening hospice exception from electronic prescription requirement. Emergency.

OK SB32

Controlled dangerous substances; exempting certain practitioners from electronic prescription requirement. Effective date.

OK HB1963

Telemedicine; definitions; health care coverage; telemedicine visits; requirements; practice of medicine; physicians; effective date.

OK SB945

The Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act; increasing certain registration fee. Emergency.

OK SB15

Controlled Dangerous Substances; increasing certain registration fee. Emergency.

OK HB1082

Public health and safety; Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act; process for obtaining informed consent from patients; emergency.

OK HB1406

Nonprofit entities; unlawful practices; membership requirements; emergency.

OK SB665

Controlled dangerous substances; modifying certain exception to registration requirements. Effective date.

OK SB228

Practice of pharmacy; authorizing pharmacist to enter into certain collaborative practice agreements. Effective date.

Similar Bills

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 SB809

Physician assistants; allowing certain physician assistants to practice without supervision; specifying prescriptive authority. Effective date.

OK HB2298

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.

OK HB1905

Professions and occupations; creating the Professions and Occupations Improvement Act; effective date.

OK SB458

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. Emergency.