Oklahoma House Bill HB3004

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22

Caption

Controlled dangerous substances; requiring pain management clinics to register with State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision; effective date.

Impact

The bill imposes stricter regulations on pain management clinics to ensure that they operate safely and effectively, which could significantly impact how these clinics function within the state. By requiring registration, the bill aims to improve oversight and accountability in pain management practices, thereby enhancing patient safety. Clinics that fail to comply with the outlined regulations could face penalties including fines or the cessation of operations, highlighting the potential implications for healthcare providers in the state.

Summary

House Bill 3004 aims to regulate pain management clinics in Oklahoma by requiring them to register with the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision. The bill defines terms such as 'pain management clinic' and 'chronic nonmalignant pain,' providing a clear framework for what constitutes a clinic that prescribes controlled dangerous substances. It mandates specific operational requirements for these clinics including the appointment of a designated physician responsible for compliance, and stipulates procedures for registration, revocation, and suspension under certain conditions.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 3004 may arise from the potential impact on access to pain management services. Critics might argue that increased regulation could limit the availability of necessary pain treatment for patients suffering from chronic pain conditions. Furthermore, discussions might center on whether the regulations could inadvertently lead to reduced patient access by making it more challenging for new clinics to open or operate, thus intensifying the ongoing discourse surrounding healthcare regulations and prescription practices in the context of the opioid crisis.