Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1214

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22

Caption

Public health; requiring provision of certain information; making state agency or political subdivision liable for certain violations. Emergency.

Impact

The bill holds state agencies and political subdivisions liable for actual damages if they fail to comply with the requirements set forth in the legislation. Specifically, if an agency neglects to provide the necessary information regarding the medical devices, it could lead to significant legal repercussions. Additionally, state employees who are responsible for implementing these requirements could lose protections under the Governmental Tort Claims Act if they knowingly neglect these duties, thus prioritizing accountability within public health operations.

Summary

Senate Bill 1214 is a newly introduced public health legislation in Oklahoma that mandates state agencies or political subdivisions to provide clear instructions and warnings regarding the use of medical devices, which includes face coverings, when such usage is required. The goal of this bill is to ensure that individuals are adequately informed about the proper usage and potential harms associated with these devices based on guidance from recognized health authorities like the CDC and WHO. This initiative aims to promote public health and safety in the context of ongoing health crises.

Contention

Notably, the bill raises important discussions about the balance between public health measures and individual rights. Critics may argue that imposing such requirements could infringe on personal freedoms and the ability of individuals to make informed choices regarding their health. Supporters, however, are likely to emphasize the importance of having consistent and clear guidelines to protect the health and safety of the public during health emergencies, which is a central theme in the ongoing legislative debates surrounding public health regulation.