Oklahoma Senate Bill SB737

Oklahoma 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/25
• Refer: 2/4/25

Caption

Oklahoma Interventional Pain Management and Treatment Act; defining terms. Effective date.

Impact

This legislation is intended to impact the standards of care within interventional pain management. It ensures that only those medical practitioners who are duly licensed under the Oklahoma Allopathic Medical and Surgical Licensure and Supervision Act or the Oklahoma Osteopathic Medicine Act can practice such interventions legally. By establishing these regulatory frameworks, SB737 is designed to protect patients and maintain high standards of medical practice in the state, which could potentially lead to improved treatment outcomes for individuals suffering from chronic pain.

Summary

Senate Bill 737, titled 'Oklahoma Interventional Pain Management and Treatment Act,' aims to regulate the practice of interventional pain management within the state of Oklahoma. The bill amends existing laws by defining critical terms like 'chronic pain,' 'fluoroscope,' and 'interventional pain management.' It outlines the approved methods for treating chronic pain, emphasizing specific medical techniques such as nerve ablation and spinal procedures. By doing this, it seeks to establish clear guidelines that medical professionals must adhere to when practicing pain management, ensuring that they are appropriately licensed under Oklahoma's medical licensing laws.

Contention

Notably, the bill also addresses the role of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) in pain management. It stipulates that CRNAs can administer specific pain management procedures only under the supervision of a licensed physician, raising discussion regarding the extent of healthcare professionals' autonomy and the collaborative nature of pain treatment. Critics may argue about the implications for practice scope, while supporters assert that such measures enhance patient safety and treatment efficacy. Furthermore, the bill's provisions about supervision and delegated responsibilities could be points of contention among healthcare workers regarding practice boundaries and patient care expectations.