Professions and occupations; use of professional designations; modifying definition of doctor to include certain persons; effective date.
Impact
The impact of HB2164 is significant as it explicitly outlines the rights of various health professionals to use the title 'doctor' or its abbreviations in their practice. The bill requires these professionals to clearly identify their respective licensure through written notice or name tags, thereby enhancing transparency in healthcare advertising. Such amendments are expected to better inform patients regarding the qualifications of their healthcare providers, reducing potential confusion and misleading practices.
Summary
House Bill 2164 amends existing Oklahoma statutes regarding the use of professional designations related to healthcare providers. The bill specifically modifies the definition of 'doctor' to include various classes of practitioners, such as podiatrists, chiropractors, dentists, medical doctors, osteopathic physicians, optometrists, psychologists, speech pathologists, and audiologists. This legislation aims to clarify and standardize the titles and terms under which these professionals can operate, ensuring that the use of the title 'doctor' is consistent across different fields of healthcare.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB2164 appears to be generally positive among supporters, who argue that it protects the integrity of professional designations in healthcare. They believe it contributes to consumer protection and promotes ethical advertising practices within the medical community. However, some concerns have been voiced regarding the potential for confusion among the public about the qualifications of different types of doctors, highlighting the need for clear communication from practitioners.
Contention
Notable points of contention include concerns over whether the new definitions could lead to misinterpretation by patients who may not fully understand the hierarchy of healthcare qualifications. Critics of the bill also worry that it may inadvertently promote overlapping responsibilities among different healthcare providers, leading to confusion in healthcare delivery. Nonetheless, proponents maintain that the bill serves to hold practitioners accountable to a higher standard of clarity regarding their professional identities.
Healing arts; requiring health care providers to use certain titles in advertisements and professional identifications; modifying definition of practice of medicine and surgery. Effective date.
Professions and occupations; modifying the Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act; modifying certain definitions, power, and reciprocity of license. Effective date.
Professional Entity Act; modifying requirements for persons holding interest in domestic professional entity; prohibiting certain persons from holding shares in certain professional corporations. Effective date.
Professional Entity Act; modifying requirements for persons holding interest in domestic professional entity; prohibiting certain persons from holding shares in certain professional corporations. Effective date.
Practice of medicine; creating the Graduate Physicians Act; providing for licensure and practice of graduate physicians; specifying certain requirements, limitations, penalties, and protections. Effective date.
Professions and occupations; Funeral Services Licensing Act; modifying and adding definitions; modifying fee; making certain information confidential; effective date.
Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; provision related to officeholders raising funds when facing a recall; modify, and require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.
Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; funds donated to a candidate for recall efforts; require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.
A concurrent resolution recognizing wild rice as sacred and central to the culture and health of Indigenous Peoples in Minnesota and critical to the health and identity of all Minnesota citizens and ecosystems and establishing a commitment to passing legislation to protect wild rice and the freshwater resources upon which it depends.